CBS has landed itself in hot water after reportedly editing out a viral end-zone celebration from its game highlights. The move has ignited a fierce debate online, particularly among conservative viewers who see the omission as a politically motivated act. The celebration in question, performed by Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, drew comparisons to former President Donald Trump’s signature rally dance, leading to widespread reactions across social media platforms.
The incident occurred during a thrilling game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, November 17. In the third quarter, Brock Bowers made an impressive 23-yard touchdown run, showcasing his athleticism by breaking through a tackle and sprinting into the end zone. Following the touchdown, Bowers celebrated with a dance that closely mimicked Donald Trump’s well-known rally move. The dance involved rhythmic fist pumps with elbows tucked near the waist, a gesture that has become synonymous with Trump’s campaign rallies.
This celebratory routine quickly caught the attention of fans and viewers, becoming a viral sensation on platforms like TikTok. Supporters of Trump and others began replicating the dance, amplifying its reach and embedding it into the cultural zeitgeist shortly after Trump’s recent electoral victory earlier this month.
Initially, CBS broadcasted the touchdown celebration live, and the NFL even featured the clip on its official social media channels, contributing to its rapid viral spread. However, the controversy began when CBS decided to exclude Bowers’ celebratory dance from its official highlight reel. This decision did not go unnoticed by viewers, sparking accusations that the network was attempting to suppress a gesture that could be interpreted as a nod to Trump’s political persona.