New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard was fined $14,069 by the NFL after celebrating a first-down catch with finger guns during the third quarter of last week’s game against the Denver Broncos.
Lazard was not pointing the “guns” at any particular player, but he was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and has now received a fine to boot.
Even if the gesture is “aimed” away from opponents, the NFL has made it clear that “any act resembling shooting a gun” is not allowed. Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper, defensive lineman Zach Allen and ex-Denver linebacker Josey Jewell found that out the hard way last season.
Allen Lazard got hit with a 15-yard penalty for a finger gun celebration pic.twitter.com/NEuJwxDBoU
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 29, 2024
After initially rescinding a fine given to Jewell for the celebration last fall, the NFL fined him again for the same offense later in the season. Clearly, the league still wants the celebration to go away.