Earlier this week, the NFL sent its full rules report to teams. It included one that resulted in a penalty for a “nose wipe” celebration, which CeeDee Lamb has used since he entered the league.
Anyone who does the “nose wipe” celebration will receive a 15-yard penalty, per the rule. After it became official, Lamb took to social media to react.
Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1(d) adds the “nose wipe” to the section of “violent gestures” that will result in a penalty. According to Pro Football Talk, the “nose wipe” is known as a gang sign. However, Lamb said he has more celebrations he can do after big plays as he reacted to the news.
“smh,” CeeDee Lamb wrote on X Wednesday night. “I have plenty in mind.”
The “nose wipe” is one of the listed gestures that will result in a 15-yard penalty. It falls under the prohibited acts under the rule.
“Any violent gesture, which shall include but not be limited to a throat slash, simulating firing or brandishing a gun, or using the ‘nose wipe’ gesture, or an act that is sexually suggestive,” the rule states.
Rule changes on the agenda at NFL league meetings
The NFL is currently getting ready for its league meetings this week, and multiple rule proposals are on the agenda. One would make the dynamic kickoff – introduced last year – permanent. However, it would include some minor changes.
Under the proposal, the ball would be spotted at the 35-yard line for kicks sent into the end zone rather than the 30-yard line. That would encourage teams to send more kickoffs into the landing zone instead of the end zone and, as a result, generate more returns. It would also change onside kick rules to get rid of the fourth-quarter requirement, but still make it so teams can only declare such a kick if they’re trailing.
Another proposal would expand replay. The NFL’s competition committee proposed giving the referees the ability to advise on-field officials, “on specific, objective aspects of a play and/or address game administration issues when clear and obvious video evidence is present.” It would also allow referees to pick up a flag if “clear and obvious video evidence exists” on certain plays such as defenseless player, facemask, horse collar, tripping and roughing or running into the kicker.
Those proposals join three others on the docket. One from the Philadelphia Eagles would change the overtime rules to allow both teams to get possession in the regular season, and the Dtroit Lions proposed elminating the automatic first down for defensive holding and illegal contact.
Perhaps the most controversial proposal came from the Green Bay Packers. It would ban the “tush Push,” made famous by the Eagles. For approval, 75% of the teams must vote in favor of adopting them.
