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11 months ago
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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has slammed the NFL for suspending photographer and videographer Kevin Fitzgibbons' credentials.
Fitzgibbons, 20, was filming right by the end zone during the Miami Dolphins' Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers when Tyreek Hill grabbed his phone and did a backflip to celebrate a touchdown.
Fitzgibbons could not contain his excitement as he jumped along with Hill's acrobatic celebration. Hill was immediately penalized for using a prop. Later on, Fitzgibbons was told that his credentials would be suspended for the rest of the season and possibly for good.
'Man,' James wrote on Instagram, 'this is F'd UP!!!'
'Suspended for a year and possibly for good!' James added. 'C'mon NFL! Do better! S*** ain't that serious.'
LeBron James slammed the NFL and told them to 'do better' after suspending a photographer
Kevin Fitzgibbons was suspended by the NFL for the rest of the season - and possibly for good
Fitzgibbons celebrated with Tyreek Hill after a touchdown against the Panthers in Week 6
Hill addressed the celebration following the October 15 game and came to Fitzgibbons' defense.
'I seen the camera and I just took it from him,' Hill said. 'He didn't want me to take it from him. That's my boy KFitz man.'
In a TikTok video, Fitzgibbons detailed how he became Hill's friend and personal photographer and videographer. Fitzgibbons also got hired by the NFL to photograph and film the Dolphins' home games.
Fitzgibbons, a student at the University of Miami, said Hill's celebration was the 'coolest moment ever.'
'He noticed me and surprised me by grabbing my phone and doing a backflip,' Fitzgibbons shared. 'It was the coolest moment ever. I ran in the tunnel to send the clip to the NFL.'
Fitzgibbons also detailed the NFL's reasons for suspending him and stated how he was still thankful for the moment despite the consequences.
Hill, who has worked closely with Fitzgibbons, declined to publicly comment on the situation
'They (NFL) said that regardless if I knew the celebration was coming or not, I still had to be disciplined,' Fitzgibbons added. '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 have done something to prevent it but I'm thankful for the memory that Tyreek gave me.'
Hill declined publicly comment on the situation. 'I would comment but I could get fined,' Hill wrote on X.
Fitzgibbons went on to acknowledge how he could have acted differently and hopes this does not prevent him from getting jobs in the future.
'This was the greatest job in the world and I never took a day for granted,' Fitzgibbons said. 'I can't thank the NFL enough for the opportunity. Whether it's back with the NFL or starting a new sport, I just hope to get another chance at doing what I love.'
English (US)