The NFL is facing an increasing issue with players engaging in gun-themed celebrations, leading to a wave of fines and penalties this season.
So far, 12 fines have been issued, totaling $154,720, for what the league has categorized as “violent gestures,” with most involving players mimicking firearms in their celebratory actions.
This sudden spike in gun-related celebrations has surprised league officials.
“This rule has been in place for years, but it hasn’t been this visible until now. It’s almost become an epidemic,” one executive noted. Although the policy against such celebrations is longstanding, last year saw only a few incidents resulting in fines.
For example, Denver Broncos players Zach Allen and Josey Jewell were penalized for a gun-themed celebration last season, and Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson and David Njoku were also fined for similar behavior.
League’s response and calls for accountability
This year, the rise in gun-themed celebrations has drawn more attention from NFL executives, leading to renewed discussions with players and coaches.
NFL Executive VP Troy Vincent expressed that while the league doesn’t want to eliminate the fun from the game, there is an inherent responsibility that comes with being a professional athlete.
“We’re not trying to make it less enjoyable, but we have a responsibility. These gestures send the wrong message, and we will keep addressing it,” Vincent stated.
Commissioner Roger Goodell backed Vincent’s stance, emphasizing the league’s commitment to enforcing the rule.
“Troy (Vincent) had a direct conversation with the union just last week. We don’t think these celebrations are appropriate, and we will continue to focus on that,” Goodell said.
Notable incidents and growing fines
The current season has seen several high-profile cases of gun-themed celebrations, resulting in fines.
In Week 2, Falcons receiver Drake London was fined $14,069 after mimicking a gunshot into the crowd following a touchdown.
Giants rookie Malik Nabers was fined twice in Week 3 for similar celebrations, while Jets receiver Allen Lazard faced a $14,069 fine in Week 4 for using finger guns after a first down.
Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase was fined $19,697 in Week 5 for a touchdown celebration involving a gun gesture.
As these incidents pile up, the NFL remains concerned that such celebrations could influence players at the college and high school levels, a similar issue to the “throat slash” gesture controversy in the late 1990s.
Coaches have sought guidance from the league, particularly when it comes to first-down signals, and the NFL has advised that pointing with one finger or using an open hand is preferable to any gun-related gestures.
The future of celebrations
As the league continues to enforce penalties for gun-related celebrations, the question remains: where does the line get drawn? As one league source pointed out, “Which guns do you allow, and which do you not?”
The NFL is making it clear that these celebrations are inappropriate and will continue to issue fines until the trend fades, with the hope that players will focus more on the game and less on controversial celebrations.
