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Steelers notebook: WR Brown feels celebration fines are excessive | TribLIVE.com
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Steelers notebook: WR Brown feels celebration fines are excessive

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Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review
Steelers receiver Antonio Brown celebrates a touchdown against the Chiefs in the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at Heinz Field.
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Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Steelers receiver Antonio Brown wears shoes honoring the late Arnold Palmer against the Chiefs on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at Heinz Field.

Antonio Brown seemed dumbfounded by the league's persistence in penalizing and fining him for “sexually suggestive” end zone dances after touchdown receptions.

Commissioner Roger Goodell continued to clamp down on unsportsmanlike conduct, particularly excessive celebrations that are considered lewd behavior or simulate the use of a weapon. It's an issue the NFL Players Association has suggested it will discuss with Goodell.

So far, Brown has accumulated more than $45,000 in fines — including a $9,000 fine for a uniform violation for cleats that honored his friend, golfing great Arnold Palmer, and another $24,309 fine for another sexually suggestive dance against Kansas City last Sunday. While it was reported earlier that he was assessed a fine of $10,000 in Week 1, it's likely it was the league mandated $12,154.

Again, Brown can't understand why Goodell is cracking the whip on what he and his teammates consider minor violations of the unsportsmanlike conduct rules. Guard Ramon Foster, the team's NFLPA representative, suggested earlier this week that the commissioner has overstepped his bounds.

Now, the issue of Brown's touchdown celebrations becoming a distraction faces Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin proposed during his Tuesday press conference that the league should clarify its rule on excessive celebration.

“You can't really complain about the rules,” Brown said. “You have to stay positive amidst everything. I feel like we need more clarification in regards to what I can and cannot do. I don't think excessive celebrating should cost more than guys hitting guys in the helmet. You know $24,000 for guys scoring touchdowns and having fun is more than targeting with the helmet. It should be some differentiation between those things — and clarification.”

Brown, who plans to appeal the fine, insisted the commissioner isn't as lenient with him as he is with others who commit similar violations. He said he tried minimizing or toning down his celebration against Kansas City.

“We work so hard over the course of the week, when you get a edge on, you're just filled with such fun and passion,” Brown said. “I'll just write it off.

“Guys know I'm a professional. They know I work hard. It's an honor to play this game.”

In Week 1, the flamboyant receiver was flagged for a “sexually suggestive” end zone dance, which came on the heels of him committing a uniform violation by wearing blue shoes with his kids' pictures stamped on them.

In Week 4, Brown went old school by capping off one of two touchdowns with the McCringleberry — a reference to a sketch by TV comedy duo Key & Peele. It was another sexually suggestive move that cost the Steelers 15 yards and put another dent in Brown's wallet.

“I'm passionate about the game, and I don't take the game for granted,” Brown said. “It's football, so you gotta have fun. I'm just excited about playing the Jets.”

Three starters to sit

The Steelers will be without three starters when they face the Jets on Sunday at Heinz Field. As expected, linebacker Ryan Shazier will sit for the second week in a row with a knee injury. Offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert will be sidelined with an ankle injury along with safety Robert Golden (hamstring).

Also, reserve offensive lineman Ryan Harris (shin) is out as are cornerbacks Justin Gilbert (knee) and Senquez Golson (foot), fullback Roosevelt Nix (back), wide receiver Eli Rogers (toe) and center Cody Wallace (knee).

Guard Ramon Foster (chest), who missed last Sunday's game, insisted he will be in the lineup.

“I've been practicing, so I'm good to go,” he said. “I haven't had any setbacks or pain.”

Linebacker Jarvis Jones, who injured an ankle in the second half against Kansas City, was a full participant in practice and expects to play. Linebacker Anthony Chickillo (knee) and wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (shoulder) were full participants during Friday's practice.

Revis a tough block

Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis didn't become the NFL's best cornerback simply because of pass coverage skills. There are few defensive backs capable of defending the run as well as the seven-time Pro Bowler.

So the Steelers' receivers will be challenged to block Revis if he plays — the Jets listed him as doubtful Friday on their injury report. He has 18 tackles but still is searching for his first interception this season.

“I want it more than him, so he's not getting any tackles,” Heyward-Bey said. “He's a corner not afraid to tackle, but I'll try to block the hell out of him.”

Ralph N. Paulk is a staff writer for the Tribune-Review. Reach him at rpaulk@tribweb.com or via Twitter @RalphPaulk_Trib.