Kansas City Chiefs’ defense was crushing the spirit of the New England Patriots, when cornerback Husain Abdullah intercepted a pass from Tom Brady for a pick six (interception and running it for a touchdown).

What came next surprised a lot of individuals, including the announcing staff, twitter followers, and millions across the world: a yellow flag. Abdullah got down on both knees and bowed his head to the ground in prayer. He was not celebrating, he was praying; yet the officials threw the flag for “going to ground” during what the officials called “excessive celebration.”

“If I get a pick, I’m going to prostrate before God in the end zone.” Abdullah said.

Many players in the NFL pray before, after, and during games. Most are of the Christian faith, while Abdullah is of the Muslim faith. Former Denver quarterback, Tim Tebow, was one of the most outspoken players when it came to religion, yet on several occasions when he scored he would drop to his knee in prayer (this is known as Tebowing to many) without a flag being thrown.

There appears to be a double standard and a disregard to equality to all religions across America. Michael Signora, NFL’s vice president of communications, tweeted out “Abdullah should not have been penalized. Officiating mechanic is not to flag a player who goes to the ground for religious reasons.”

This simple lack of judgement from another set of NFL officials could have cost the Kansas City Chiefs the game, but it didn’t.

The NFL has had its imaged tarnished as of late with the lack of punishment for domestic violence. If it wasn’t for being on national television, this situation could have been swept under the rug, just like the Ray Rice ordeal. The NFL needs to adjust its moral compass in order to stay in the good graces of its fans.