It’s a common sight in American football – a player makes a big play, celebrates by mimicking shooting a gun, and suddenly finds himself facing a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. The NFL has cracked down on this trend, with eight penalties and fines issued to players for such celebrations within the first four weeks of the season.
The league has made it clear that it will not tolerate the use of finger guns on the field, labeling it as a violent gesture. Two more players were flagged for this offense in Week 5, with fines set to be announced soon. Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London was penalized in Week 2 for his finger gun celebration, while New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers faced penalties in Week 3, resulting in fines of $14,069.
In Week 4, five more players – CeeDee Lamb, Marshon Lattimore, Alontae Taylor, Allen Lazard, and Jeremy McNichols – were also punished for their finger gun celebrations. The officiating discrepancy has not gone unnoticed, with players questioning the consistency in penalty calls.
London expressed regret over his gesture, particularly in light of a recent shooting tragedy at a local high school. The NFL has emphasized that the crackdown on such celebrations is not a new initiative, but rather a response to the growing trend among players. As these gestures gained popularity in lower levels of the sport, they began to seep into professional games.
College football has also seen its share of violent gestures, with players mimicking gun shots during games. The NFL is taking a stand against this behavior, aiming to maintain a level of sportsmanship on the field. As the league continues to enforce stricter rules on player conduct, it remains to be seen how players will adapt and evolve their celebrations in the future.