NFL orders referees to enforce strict rule for 2025 season that could leave Patrick Mahomes and Co in major trouble

stars will be open to unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in game.

Mahomes was fined $14,000 for making a gun gesture with his fingers while celebrating a first down.

The NFL is trying to crack down on violent or sexually suggestive gestures.

And referees will have the power to dish out penalties during games in 2025.

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SportAmerican Football
FINE MARGIN NFL orders referees to enforce strict rule for 2025 season that could leave Patrick Mahomes and Co in major trouble
NFL rules analyst Walt Anderson announced the new ‘point of emphasis’
Sunni Upal, Deputy US Sport Editor
Published: 10:41 ET, Aug 22 2025Updated: 10:41 ET, Aug 22 2025

NFL referees will make a concerted effort to crack down on certain on-field gestures this season.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was one of a number of players hit with a fine last year.

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Patrick Mahomes celebrating during a football game.
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Patrick Mahomes was fined $14,000 for a gun finger gesture last seasonCredit: CBS
Allen Lazard #10 of the New York Jets celebrates a first down.
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Cracking down on the gesture will be a ‘point of emphasis’ for the leagueCredit: Getty
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But the new rules mean NFL stars will be open to unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in game.

Mahomes was fined $14,000 for making a gun gesture with his fingers while celebrating a first down.

The NFL is trying to crack down on violent or sexually suggestive gestures.

And referees will have the power to dish out penalties during games in 2025.

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NFL rules analyst Walt Anderson announced said this week that it will be a “point of emphasis.”

“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 per cent so that is a point of emphasis,” Anderson said.

“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.