League May Hit Reigning MVP With a Fine for Unsportsmanlike Conduct vs. Miami

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is one of the most likeable and least controversial players in the NFL.

So, it’s rare that the 29-year-old signal-caller could potentially find himself in hot water with the league following the team’s “Thursday Night Football” matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

During that game, though, Allen was sacked by Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who was ultimately flagged for unnecessary roughness. After the penalty, Allen proceeded to make what appeared to be a gun gesture with his fingers toward Brooks, which is an explicit violation of NFL rules.

The league announced that it will be cracking down on what it deems as “violent or sexually suggestive gestures,” of which Allen’s celebration would fall under.

“Unsportsmanlike gestures like simulating or either shooting a gun or brandishing a gun, or inappropriate gestures like a throat slash, or unfortunate sexual gestures, those were up 133% so that is a point of emphasis,” NFL officiating rules analyst Walt Anderson said last month, via NFL.com.

“The officials have made it a point of emphasis to the clubs. It's just one of those areas that the league wants to work actively on. There are plenty of ways for players to be able to celebrate, and they come up with some very unique and often entertaining ways so we want them to focus on those and not the inappropriate areas.”

Players wiping their nose (which reportedly simulates gang affiliation), throat slashing, firing a gun, and any sexual gestures are among the celebrations that are banned.

If the league reviews the play and decides to punish Allen, it’ll likely come in the form of a fine. His fine would likely be in the $14,000 range.

Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London, New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers, and Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes were all fined $14,069 last season for similar gestures, as were Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson and tight end David Njoku in 2023. They were penalized $13,569.

Cincinnati Bengals WR Andrei Iosivas was fined $5,305 for simulating firing a bow and arrow last season, though he appealed and won his case.