The NFL has recently been cracking down on what it considers unsportsmanlike conduct, specifically celebrations involving “finger guns” or other violent gestures. Already this season, eight penalties and fines have been issued for such gestures within the first four weeks. Players, including Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London and New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, have faced fines ranging from $14,069 for repeatedly using such gestures. The average fine for these eight infringements has been $12,697.50; however, penalties seem inconsistent, as some players have not been penalized the same way for seemingly similar celebrations.
More players have been flagged and penalized as the season continues. Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs and Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton were penalized for pointing downfield, a gesture similar to but not exactly like the finger gun. These gestures are considered in breach of the NFL rules on unsportsmanlike conduct, which prohibits actions that go against the principles of sportsmanship. Included in the definition of unsportsmanlike acts are punching or kicking at opponents, using abusive or threatening language or gestures, and engaging in baiting or taunting.
Some players have expressed regret for their actions. For instance, London admitted regret over his celebration, which imitated shooting a machine gun into the air. The imitation happened only days after hosting a high school football team that had recently experienced a tragic shooting. NFL officials, as well as players in NFLPA leadership roles, assert that while these fines seem sudden, the league’s regulations against this type of conduct have long been in place.
The NFL has a history of issuing fines for violent gestures. In 2022, they fined 13 Pittsburgh Steelers players for a choreographed machine-gun-like interception celebration, with fines ranging from $4,715 to $13,261. Quarterback Deshaun Watson and tight end David Njoku of the Browns were also fined $13,569 each for a gun-themed celebration in 2023. Such acts are deemed unacceptable according to the jointly planned “on-field code of conduct” by the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
While the fines and penalties are not a new initiative, their high frequency this season has caused some players to feel targeted. Nonetheless, NFL directors of player development claim that such actions have always been against league rules and that they are just more prevalent this season, hence the increased penalties. This increase can be attributed to the gradual adoption of the celebration in high school and college games. NFL officials claim the players are shown a video annually detailing acceptable and unacceptable celebration forms, and the NFL rulebook is distributed to each player noting the prohibition of gun-related salutes.
The NFL’s recent penalties and fines reflect an industry-wide attempt to curb violent gestures, particularly ones imitating guns. This action is part of a wider initiative to discourage exposure to violent gestures among the young audience that the NFL attracts. The NFL believes that the celebrity status of its players warrants a greater responsibility to model appropriate conduct. Hence, they hope these penalties and fines will ensure that players find alternative ways to celebrate their victories and achievements on the field.
