Travis Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, recently blasted the NFL for how it handles what it views as violent gestures during games. In an interview on his “New Heights” podcast, Kelce supported wide receiver Allen Lazard of the New York Jets, who was given a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior after pointing to a gun during a game against the Denver Broncos.
Kelce expressed his displeasure with such sanctions, claiming that infractions such as Lazard’s celebrations shouldn’t be penalized, particularly when they don’t specifically target another player.
While Kelce acknowledged that the NFL tries to discourage any association with violence, he went on to say that the finger gun gesture is too innocuous to result in a game-changing penalty. He felt that raising a red flag for something so insignificant was going too far, although he did propose that the NFL fine players after the game if necessary.
He was especially irritated by the possibility that actions that indicate a successful play—like pointing following a first down—could be seen as unsportsmanlike behavior, which would affect the game’s fairness and flow.
The NFL has a long-standing policy banning aggressive gestures, but Kelce jokingly noted that he didn’t want to face consequences from the organization for speaking out against it. Kelce asserted that the NFL’s implementation of the regulation is erroneous, making light of the Second Amendment and his “right to bear arms.” He underlined that punishing players for innocuous celebratory gestures disrupts the game more often than it helps.
Jason, a former center for the Philadelphia Eagles, joined the discussion and concurred with Kelce. Jason recommended that the rule only be used when a player makes a specific, mocking motion in the direction of another opponent. He questioned how celebratory actions like shooting upwards without aiming at anyone could be deemed rude or warrant a penalty.
The player who started the discussion, Allen Lazard, declared that he will contest any fine the NFL imposes for his celebration. Lazard countered that he was not informed that his behavior would be viewed as unsportsmanlike and compared it to a recent traffic rule that imposes fines on violators without warning. Lazard’s predicament draws attention to a persistent problem, as several NFL players have been fined for identical gestures that were considered inappropriate this season.
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