The Sports Xchange

Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman was fined $8,681 by the NFL for taunting during his 30-yard interception return for a touchdown in the season opener.

Norman waved goodbye to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles on his way to the end zone in Carolina’s 20-9 victory last Sunday. A league spokesman confirmed the fine to the Charlotte Observer on Friday.

Norman’s theft early in the third quarter was a momentum-changer. The Panthers cornerback read the sideline pass intended for T.J. Yeldon, stepped in front of the Jaguars running back and sprinted untouched to the end zone for the score.

“On the interception, when my chance came I took it, I ran with it,” Norman said after the game. “When he threw the pass, my feet went before I could think. I broke on it, caught the ball, made sure I had it and took off running. I said goodbye to him on the way. I wanted to give the defense some energy to get going.”

Norman was not fined for his post-touchdown celebration during which he rode an imaginary horse before making an imaginary dismount.

Last season, Norman was fined $11,000 for a uniform violation (wearing silver cleats) and $8,268 for fighting.