Which NFL players have been punished for gun salutes? Has the rule changed? Can they appeal?

In the ever-evolving rulebook of the National Football League, players are constantly learning what flies on the field and what doesn’t. The latest addition to the “Thou Shalt Not” list? Finger guns.

Just this week, Jets receiver Allen Lazard found himself on the wrong end of the NFL’s “no gun gestures” policy. Alongside him, Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore, Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb, Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor and Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols also faced fines for making “violent gestures” during Week 4. Fines ranged from $6,250 to $14,069.

Lazard, specifically, was hit with the higher end of that for a move he’s done countless times before – sticking out his index finger and thumb in the classic finger-gun formation, usually after securing a first down.

Fines for violent gestures were conspicuously absent in Week 1 of this season, but by Weeks 2 and 3, they began to roll in, with two fines in each. By Week 4, five players had been fined, bringing the season total to nine. It seems the NFL’s trying to get the word out, but I’m not sure they’ve done such a good job. The fines are helping on that front though.

Can players appeal these fines?

Yes, players can indeed appeal fines, including those for finger guns or other gestures deemed of a violent nature. The players’ manual is clear on the rules – perhaps too clear now – and while the NFL’s stance is firm, athletes still have the right to argue their case. Historically, however, the appeal process rarely overturns fines when it comes to violations that are explicitly spelled out.

So, while Lazard might try to argue that his gun salutes were more playful than influentially irresponsible, the chances of him winning the appeal are about as high as him actually bringing a real bazooka to the next game. Maybe I shouldn’t joke about that.

The second amendment of football

With a rather important presidential election in our midst, the US Constitution has certainly been making some headlines of late, often in a misrepresented fashion. One oft-cited Amendment is the second on the list and jovial commentators have even pointed to the NFL’s crackdown on finger guns as an infringement on a different kind of “right to bear arms” – the right to, well, bare arms. So, if short sleeves are allowed, what’s the harm in a bow and arrow mime?

OK, there is actually a serious note here, and the NFL sees these weapon-mimicking moments as potentially harmful, especially in a world where violent imagery is under more scrutiny than ever. The rule against “violent gestures” has long been part of the league’s unsportsmanlike conduct regulations, but it seems enforcement has been stepped up in recent weeks. What was once seen a fun way to celebrate is now being met with swift financial punishment.

Grabbing my handy NFL manual, it’s clear to see that in Rule 12, section 3, one of the prohibited acts is ‘Any violent gesture, or an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive.’ Not exactly specific to what we’re talking about here but it is there nonetheless, and most would agree that imitating the use of an AR-15 or the likes in front of a crowd of thousands is hardly the most responsible behavior.

The connection to free speech, or the First Amendment, is also sometimes raised in situations like these. Players might feel that their form of expression – whether it’s celebrating a big play or just trying to bring some amusement to the Game – is being unfairly censored. However, as in any workplace, the NFL has its own set of rules, and these come before any constitutional claims on the field.

And we can remind all those run-making, ball catching, touchdown scoring stars out there that there are plenty of alternative weapon celebrations that can be used. An imaginary hand-held catapult will surely be allowed by the authorities, as would a mime of you flicking the ear of an invisible adversary. Just leave the pretend Uzi at home.