A tribute to late pop star Michael Jackson has hit Toronto Argonauts receiver Arland Bruce III in the wallet.

The Canadian Football League announced Thursday it has fined Bruce an undisclosed amount for his actions following a first-quarter touchdown in a July 1 game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

After scoring on a 21-yard pass from quarterback Kerry Joseph, which put the Argos ahead 6-0, Bruce removed his helmet, jersey and shoulder pads before lying down in the end zone, pretending to be buried to honour Jackson's memory.

Jackson, 50, known as the King of Pop, died last week.

"I made the mistake of telling him in camp that once he got to the end zone I didn't care what he did," Toronto coach Bart Andrus said after the game. "But he's straight with it now, and I think next time around he will celebrate in an appropriate manner."

Referees assessed Bruce with two objectionable conduct penalties in the incident.

Toronto defeated the Ticats 30-17.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/story/2009/07/02/sp-bruce-celebration.html

if he did it in his honor, that's one thing, but if he was imitating him, in an inappropriate manner, that's messed up. glad they punished him.

I was watching that game on television. That was a wild situation. Even the commentators didn't know what to make of it until later when a sideline reporter interviewed Bruce and he explained the meaning behind his "celebration". The commentators and everyone else interviewed agreed that Bruce could have found a much better way to pay respect to Michael Jackson than playing dead. I found his "celebration" to be in very poor taste.

I was watching that game on television. That was a wild situation. Even the commentators didn't know what to make of it until later when a sideline reporter interviewed Bruce and he explained the meaning behind his "celebration". The commentators and everyone else interviewed agreed that Bruce could have found a much better way to pay respect to Michael Jackson than playing dead. I found his "celebration" to be in very poor taste.

I agree; even though I didn't see the celebration.

Wow, that's harsh! Probably the most costly touchdown he ever scored!!!