Giants center fined for ‘flexing’ against Commanders

The penalty was a key play in last week’s game.

Washington’s Week 13 game against the New York Giants had a lot on the line for both teams. Unfortunately, it ended in a 20-20 tie. The good news is the two longtime rivals will see one another again next week on Sunday Night Football.

Looking back, several moments late in the Week 13 battle could have changed the outcome of the game.

One occurred in the fourth quarter, with the Giants leading 20-13. Washington just punted from deep in its own territory, and New York returner Richie James returned it 12 yards to the Washington 47-yard line. On first down, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones hits wide receiver Darius Slayton for a 12-yard gain, and suddenly New York was in field position with less than six minutes remaining.

Wait a minute. There’s a flag.

As it turns out, Giants center Jon Feliciano runs to Slayton after the catch, around several Commanders — and flexes. The officials immediately throw the flag, and the Giants are penalized 15 yards for taunting. New York punted three plays later. A field goal would have meant a 10-point lead for the Giants, possibly ending the game.

The Commanders took the ball and drove 90 yards in less than two minutes to tie the game.

That flag turned out to be an expensive one for Feliciano. This week, Feliciano was fined $10,609 for the taunting penalty.

It’s doubtful we’ll see Feliciano flexing again.

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