NEW YORK, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The NFL has fined New England wide receiver Wes Welker $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct following a touchdown last Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
Welker scored on an 11-yard second quarter pass from Matt Cassel, and afterward laid on the ground at snow-filled Gillette Stadium to intimate a "snow angel."
By NFL rules, he was penalized for "unsportsmanlike conduct for participation in an illegal demonstration by going to the ground."
Since he didn't fall to the ground to pray, his demonstration was prohibited.
"It was a spur of the moment deal, and you can be sure that it won't happen again," he told The Boston Globe on Wednesday.
Welker said he wasn't sure if he would appeal the fine.
The near-defenseless Cardinals were beaten, 47-7, and Welker made seven receptions for 68 yards.
