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CBS is under fire after controversially removing a viral touchdown celebration—widely interpreted as a nod to President Donald Trump—from its official NFL highlight reel. The move has drawn sharp criticism online and fueled claims of political censorship in sports media.
The moment occurred on Sunday, November 17, during a game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Miami Dolphins. Raiders tight end Brock Bowers scored a thrilling 23-yard touchdown in the third quarter, bulldozing past a defender before celebrating with a distinctive dance. The dance—featuring clenched fists pumping in rhythm close to the waist—immediately reminded many viewers of Trump’s signature rally dance, which has gained renewed popularity online since his recent reelection victory.
Initially aired live by CBS and included in NFL social media recaps, the clip quickly went viral—especially on TikTok—where Trump supporters and others began mimicking the celebratory move. However, controversy erupted when CBS released its official game highlight reel with the dance mysteriously edited out.
Online backlash was swift and intense. Outraged viewers accused CBS of deliberately cutting the clip due to its perceived political overtones. “Why did you edit out the Trump dance?” asked one angry commenter. Others called the network “trash” and “a joke,” demanding accountability and even calling for boycotts. “This is why people are tuning out the mainstream media,” one user posted. “They think we won’t notice.”
Critics argue that the omission is part of a larger pattern of media bias. “This is why he won,” one person wrote, referencing Trump’s victory. “You’re part of the problem.” Some have gone so far as to suggest CBS’s broadcast license should be reviewed over its editorial decisions.
The controversy reflects a growing tension at the intersection of politics, sports, and media. While some defend the network’s right to curate its content, others see the edit as a politically motivated attempt to suppress cultural expressions connected to Trump.
Adding fuel to the fire, President Trump has also filed a lawsuit against CBS, alleging the network manipulated an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris prior to the election to make her appear more composed. Trump’s legal team claims the edited footage “misled millions” and distorted Harris’s original response, which they say was “less coherent.”
The lawsuit further intensifies scrutiny over how media outlets handle politically sensitive content, especially during election cycles. With both the viral touchdown celebration and the Harris interview under the spotlight, CBS now finds itself facing growing distrust from a vocal segment of the public.
One thing is certain: Brock Bowers’ dance—intentional or not—has become more than a viral moment. It’s a flashpoint in an ongoing debate over free expression, political bias, and the role of media in shaping public narratives.
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