FRISCO, Texas — The NFL doesn’t stand for the “No Fun League” for nothing.

The league proved it again with the fine levied against Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott several days ago. Elliott was fined $13,369 for “donating” $21 into the Salvation Army kettle after scoring a touchdown on Thanksgiving Day at AT&T Stadium.

You know, the game when the Cowboys’ organization proudly helps kick off the charities’ red-kettle donation campaign.

“I didn’t really expect a fine,” Elliott said. “It’s all for a good cause. We’re trying to bring awareness to the Salvation Army and if the NFL doesn’t like that then that’s on them. I’ll pay the little fine.”

The NFL let Elliott slide three years ago when he celebrated a Thanksgiving touchdown by jumping in the same kettle. That caught everyone by surprise and the NFL was likely swept up in the viral sensation of good will that the moment turned into. Not this time.

“A lot of things they do you can find ridiculous but that’s not really my business,” Elliott said. “It’s not anything I can change so I’m just going to keep being focused on this season, leading this team and winning ballgames.”

The NFL, however, could look a little better by donating the $13,000 to the Salvation Army.

“Think they should,” Elliott said.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram