Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently went off on the NFL after it suspended the credentials of the cameraman whose phone was taken by Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill earlier this season as part of a touchdown celebration.
Kevin Fitzgibbons, the cameraman in question, recently opened up about the situation.
The journey continues… pic.twitter.com/QsrXjI0eeE
— kfitz (@kfitzsports) November 29, 2023
“The NFL then let me know that I would be suspended for the remainder of the season and possibly for good,” Fitzgibbons said.
“They said regardless if I knew the celebration was coming or not, I still had to be disciplined and that I shouldn’t have jumped on the sidelines after the play. One of the best moments of my life turned upside down in a matter of seconds. I get why the NFL had to make this decision and wish I could’ve done something to prevent it, but I’m thankful for the memory that Tyreek gave me.
“This was the greatest job in the world, and I never took a day for granted. I can’t thank the NFL enough for the opportunity. Whether its back with the NFL or starting a new sport, I just hope to get another chance at doing what I love.”
Hill later reacted to the video on social media.
I would comment but I could get fined😵💫 https://t.co/R1bqFO2mrp
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) November 29, 2023
The celebration occurred during Miami’s 42-21 Week 6 victory over the Carolina Panthers, a game in which Hill caught six passes for 163 yards and one touchdown.
Tyreek Hill’s epic backflip selfie celebration pic.twitter.com/nVY7cwKBrR
— Dolphin Nation (@Dolphin_Nation) October 15, 2023
Though many expected the speedster to get fined for the celebration, the NFL reportedly didn’t asses him one for it.
The NFL confirmed to the New York Post it suspended the credentials of Fitzgibbons, who has worked with Saquon Barkley, Antonio Brown and others.
It’s an unfortunate situation all around, and many fans have come to Fiztgibbons’ defense on social media. Perhaps the NFL will reverse its decision after seeing so much backlash online, though only time will tell.
Hill is on pace to surpass over 2,000 receiving yards this season and has helped lead the Dolphins to an 8-3 record. He has caught 88 passes for 1,324 yards and 10 touchdowns.
As for James, his Lakers are 11-8 and got back on track on Wednesday night by routing the Detroit Pistons. The 38-year-old is showing he’s still one of the league’s best players and averaging 25.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game this season.
Plenty of fans will likely pay close attention to the situation and any future updates from Fitzgibbons as time goes on. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see a pretty significant boost in his following on social media.
Hill and the Dolphins have six games left in their regular season before the playoffs start. Miami is currently the No. 4 seed in the AFC.
James and the Lakers still have a ways to go before finishing their regular season. Los Angeles sits in seventh place in the NBA’s Western Conference.
