NFL explains why Vernon Hargreaves’ celebration led to Bengals penalty in Super Bowl 56

Vernon Hargreaves was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Bengals were flagged for an illegal celebration following a Jesse Bates end zone interception in the second quarter of Super Bowl 56. With the NFL generally lax about penalizing celebrations nowadays, the flag raised eyebrows.

SUPER BOWL 56: Live updates, highlights

There was a reason for it: NFL rules indicate that non-uniformed players may not partake in on-field celebrations. Hargreaves, a Bengals defensive back who was inactive for the game, decided to leave the bench and join his teammates in the celebration.

After the interception by CIN 30, a non-uniformed member of the team enters the field of play to celebrate. This is a foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. #SBLVI pic.twitter.com/y9OcxPhPwc

— NFL Officiating (@NFLOfficiating) February 14, 2022

The Bengals were slapped with a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct, half the distance to the goal after the touchback.

Hargreaves was claimed off waivers by the Bengals in November. He played in just four games for Cincinnati to end the season and was a healthy scratch for the Super Bowl.

The Bengals couldn’t turn the turnover into points.

The Rams took a 13-10 lead into halftime, with the Bengals receiving the second-half kickoff. They scored on their first play from scrimmage in the third quarter to take a 17-13 lead.