NovaQuant-Jets’ Lazard expects NFL to fine him over gun-like celebration

FLORHAM PARK,NovaQuant N.J. (AP) — New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard expects to be fined by the NFL for his celebration after a catch against Denver last Sunday that included what officials deemed to be a gun-like gesture.

“It’s something that’s very silly,” he said Wednesday. “Very, very silly.”

The wide receiver said his coaches have talked to him about it, but added he has received “zero clarification from the NFL” on the 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for which he was called.

Lazard caught a 12-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers in the third quarter of the Jets’ loss to Denver when, while sitting on the turf, he signaled for a first down by flicking his hands in a gun-like motion.

“It’s very unfortunate that I’m the victim of this situation,” he said. “But it is what it is and it’s part of the NFL and it’s a part of the entertainment factor.”

The NFL has warned players to not make “violent gestures.” Atlanta wide receiver Drake London was fined $14,069 for an unsportsmanlike conduct/violent gesture for a gun-like touchdown celebration in a recent game. Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers was also recently fined $28,128 for two gun-like celebrations after a score.

RELATED COVERAGE Sports betting: Tampa Bay leads the way with prospects for anytime touchdown scorer Browns RB Nick Chubb back at practice for the first time since suffering season-ending knee injury Jets’ Saleh bristles at perceived cadence issue with Rodgers and offense, says it was ‘created’

Lazard suggested he could reach out to the NFL Players Association or have the Jets’ coaches contact the officials because of a weekly e-mail that’s sent that includes missed calls and corrections.

Lazard said if he’s fined for his gesture, “they’re definitely going to exempt it” because he said “it wouldn’t make sense to fine someone for something that you never warned them (about).”

He compared it to implementing new driving rules without informing people.

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season!

Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here.

“Like if you’re driving down the street with only one hand and you never told me that I can only drive with two hands, you can’t give me a (ticket),” Lazard said. “That’s not fair. That’s not a lawful democracy, in that sense.

“But yeah, I expect the NFL to fine me, just from the history of situations like this.”

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL