Michael Jackson tribute off the wall

TORONTO - The Canadian Football League fined Toronto Argonauts receiver Arland Bruce for "excessive actions" during his tribute to Michael Jackson after scoring a touchdown Wednesday night.

Bruce was fined an undisclosed amount, the CFL announced Thursday.

After scoring on a 21-yard pass that put Toronto ahead 6-0, Bruce removed his helmet, shoulder pads and uniform top, then laid down in the end zone. Bruce said he was honoring the memory of Jackson by pretending to be buried.

Referees gave Bruce two objectionable conduct penalties for his actions in the game, which the Argonauts won 30-17.

"It's not always easy to draw that line, but when you remove your equipment to lay down and delay the game, like he did, that's where we draw the line," the CFL said.

The team said it supported the league's ruling and noted Bruce apologized at a team meeting Thursday.

"I made the mistake of telling him in camp that once he got to the end zone, I didn't care what he did," said Toronto coach Bart Andrus. "But he's straight with it now, and I think next time around he will celebrate in an appropriate manner."