Raiders star rookie throws UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones under bus

Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers is already one of the best players in the NFL. However, the elite pass-catcher landed in hot water on Sunday, and according to him, you can blame the greatest combat athlete of all-time.
Following a 23-yard touchdown catch in a loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Bowers celebrated by mimicking President-elect Donald Trump and his signature dance.
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones hit the same cringe-worthy moves after stopping ex-heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic in the third round of the UFC 309 main event the night prior.
Bowers, therefore, deflected the responsibility for his actions when grilled during the post-game presser for his choice.
“I’ve seen everyone do it,” said Bowers. “I watched the UFC fight last night and Jon Jones did it. I like watching UFC so I saw it, and thought it was cool.”
Soon after throwing Jones under the bus, Bowers was whisked off stage before he could be asked any further questions about Trump, which could have proven tricky for the 21-year old to answer.
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa was fined $11,255 for wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat during an NFL post-game interview earlier this year.
Per league rules, players are prohibited from displaying a personal message or non-sponsored branding “at any point throughout a game day when visible at the stadium and TV audience, including postgame interviews in the locker room or on the field.”
While Bowers did not break any rules, he teetered on uncomfortable territory in the eyes of his employer, and in these polarizing times, was redirected by Raiders’ brass.
Todderick Hunt covers Sports and Culture and Recruiting. Have a story idea or a tip? He can be reached at [email protected].