Sports

NFL’s Crackdown On Gun-Like Celebrations Leads To Soft Penalty For Josh Downs’ First Down Signal

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Josh Downs Gun Celebration
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NFL officials have been asked by the league to crack down on arrow, gun and other weapon-like gestures during the 2024/25 season. However, they made a mockery of the new preventative measures with a ridiculous penalty on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs.

He was flagged for what seemed to be a harmless first down celebration.

The NFL has a policy against “violent gestures” or “an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive.” It falls under the category of unsportsmanlike conduct. Even though the No Fun League loosened its rules on celebrations in 2017, those kinds of actions are still prohibited.

Pat McAfee reached out to source(s) about the crackdown earlier this year and the answer he received was pretty straightforward. All of the weapon stuff won’t fly. Everything else, within reason, is cool.

Multiple players on multiple teams have been fined for shooting imaginary guns on the field this season. They were also penalized for their behavior with a 15-yard penalty during the game.

The most recent example might be the most contentious.

Downs caught a pass from Joe Flacco for a gain of 20 yards. To celebrate the chunk play, he signaled for the first down with two fingers pointed forward on each hand. Officials immediately threw the flag.

The reason provided for the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was an “illegal demonstration.” Downs’ hand gesture too closely resembled finger pistols.

To be completely fair, there was an undeniable likeness. Josh Downs brought his hands up to eye level as if he was putting something in his sights. Two fingers and a thumb pointed out is the most literal hand gesture for a gun, even in sign language.

While that may be true, Downs was not shooting guns. Nor was he aiming at an opponent. The receiver simply pointed forward to signal a first down and it will be a real shame if he gets fined.