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Falcons wide receiver Drake London was penalized after catching a touchdown pass in the final minute of Atlanta’s 22-21 win at Philadelphia on Monday night for pretending to shoot in the air, a violation of a longstanding NFL rule that prohibits violent gestures.
London immediately apologized on the sideline, according to Falcons coach Raheem Morris, and did so publicly on Wednesday.
“There’s a lot of stuff going on around the world with gun violence that I don’t think I should have shown there,” London told reporters. “So, I’m not too happy with it, and you probably won’t see that from me again.”
The NFL has strict rules for celebrations and players are reminded annually that violations will result in unsportsmanlike penalties.
The score was tied with London’s 7-yard TD field goal on a pass from Kirk Cousins at 21-21. His penalty pushed the extra point back 15 yards but Younghoe Koo’s 48-yard field goal gave Atlanta the lead and Jessie Bates intercepted Jalen Hurts’ pass on the drive to seal the victory.
“We approach player celebrations as an expression of exuberance that is part of the excitement of the game. Rules were modified in 2017 allowing group celebrations, including choreographed displays. Offensive demonstrations, celebrations that extend and delay the game, and those directed at an opponent remain penalized,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement. “Players are reminded annually and it is part of the players’ handbook that demonstrations which constitute offensive or unsportsmanlike behaviour, or which delay the game, will result in a demerit against his a team.
“Also prohibited actions that occur anywhere on the field or sideline include long-standing prohibitions against cutting throats; machine gun salute; sexually suggestive gestures; or stomping or displays on a team logo.”
London’s celebration came 12 days after four people were killed in a shooting at Apalachee High School near Winder, Georgia. The Falcons welcomed the school’s football team to their practice facility last week.
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