NFL Strengthens Sanctions Against Violent and Sexual Gestures
The National Football League (NFL) will implement stricter penalties against violent and sexual gestures starting in the 2025 season. The new campaign will begin on September 4th with the match between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. The decision was announced by Troy Vincent, executive vice president of league operations, who emphasized the importance of eradicating this type of behavior from the sport.Walt Anderson, NFL officiating rules analyst, supported the measure, explaining that it seeks to encourage more creative and respectful celebrations.There is no place in the game for that. There is no place for humiliating the opponent or for violent gestures. That is not football. We have to follow the rules, respect the opponent, teammates and dedicate ourselves to playing.
Troy Vincent
The league reported a 133% increase in recent seasons in gestures considered unsportsmanlike, including mock shooting, sexual gestures, and gang-related gestures. Previously, these actions were sanctioned with fines and 15-yard penalties. Starting in 2025, referees will receive stricter instructions to detect and immediately apply the sanctions. The NFL recalled that in April, simulating wiping one’s nose was prohibited due to its association with gangs. With the start of the upcoming 2025 season, the NFL will seek to protect the integrity of the game and promote respect on the field.There are many ways players can celebrate in an original and fun way; we want them to focus on those and not on inappropriate gestures.
Walt Anderson
