Cowboys WRs Face Fines for Finger Gun Celebration
Dallas Cowboys wide receivers George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb are seeing their bank accounts take a hit this week. According to reports from NFL Network, both players have been fined $14,491 for making what the league deems violent gestures during their Week 2 victory over the New York Giants.
Additional Penalties for CeeDee Lamb
However, the fines don’t end there for Lamb. He also received a separate penalty of $11,593 for taunting during a different play in the same game. The infractions stemmed from a spirited celebration following Pickens’ touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. After picking up the score, the duo celebrated by making finger guns—a gesture that, while seemingly harmless, has drawn the ire of league officials.
NFL’s Crackdown on Violent Gestures
This incident is part of the NFL’s ongoing effort to curb unsportsmanlike conduct and aggressive gestures on the field. NFL officiating rules analyst Walt Anderson highlighted this initiative in August, noting a staggering 133% increase in penalties for gestures such as simulating gunfire or making inappropriate hand signals.
The league has made it clear that such unsportsmanlike behaviors will be closely monitored. While Pickens and Lamb were not penalized during the game for their actions, the fines serve as a stark reminder of the league’s commitment to maintaining decorum on the field.
Disciplinary Trends in the NFL
The fines imposed on Pickens and Lamb are emblematic of a broader trend within the NFL. Players are increasingly being held accountable for their actions, both during games and in celebrations. As the league continues to emphasize sportsmanship, players may find themselves having to adjust their celebrations to avoid costly penalties in the future.
In this case, both receivers will be a little lighter in the wallet, but they may also think twice before engaging in similar celebrations going forward.
