Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen may be facing a fine this week for a celebration deemed inappropriate by the NFL. The incident occurred during the team’s September 18 victory over the Miami Dolphins, and after a long wait, the league is expected to announce its decision on Saturday.
The Incident
In the third quarter of Buffalo’s 31-21 win, Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks tackled Allen for a short loss. After the whistle, Brooks continued to push Allen and was flagged for a late hit. As Brooks fell to the ground, Allen pointed at him with his hand in the shape of a finger gun, appearing to mimic firing at him. While Allen has not clarified his intent, the NFL has made it clear that such “violent” gestures are prohibited.
Previous and Similar Cases
The league is expected to release its list of Week 3 fines soon, and Allen is widely believed to be included. Earlier this season, Cowboys receivers George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb were each fined nearly $15,000 for similar gun-related gestures. Allen himself has been penalized before—he was fined over $10,000 in 2023 for pointing at a Cincinnati Bengals defender during a touchdown run.
Timing and Team Context
The Bills had an extended wait for the decision because their game against Miami came early in Week 3. That win boosted Buffalo to a 3-0 start, putting them in first place in the AFC East and strengthening their bid for a sixth consecutive division title. They also remain in the race for the AFC’s top playoff seed, having already defeated the Ravens while the Chiefs stumbled to a 1-2 start.
The NFL’s Position
The league has made it a priority to eliminate violent or suggestive gestures from celebrations. Walt Anderson, the NFL’s officiating rules analyst, explained last year that unsportsmanlike gestures—including simulated gunfire, throat-slashing motions, and sexually suggestive acts—rose by 133% in recent seasons. To curb this, the league instructed officials to strictly enforce fines. Anderson emphasized that players have plenty of opportunities for creativity but should avoid inappropriate gestures.
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