(Video) ‘Nose Wipe’ Gesture Leads to Browns’ Isaiah McGuire Getting Called Out for Unsportsmanlike Conduct During Preseason Game

The NFL will no longer tolerate any violent gesture during game days and they will impose strict punishment on players if they fail to abide by the rules.

(Video) ‘Nose Wipe’ Gesture Leads to Browns’ Isaiah McGuire Getting Called Out for Unsportsmanlike Conduct During Preseason Game

Browns DE Isaiah McGuire penalized for 'nose wipe' celebration and (in background) Kevin Stefanski (Image via X/IMAGO)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

The NFL had warned players of strict punishment for ‘unsportsmanlike celebrations’ during a game. The memo did not reach the Cleveland Browns DE Isaiah McGuire.

McGuire, a 2023 fourth-round draft pick, made a brilliant play during Saturday’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams. He saw a window of opportunity to dart his way past the Rams’ offensive line and land a hit on Jarquez Hunter in the backfield, causing a loss on third-and-6.

It was a moment of rare joy for the Browns fans as their team had been struggling to break down the Rams all day. McGuire celebrated his moment with a ‘nose wipe’ celebration.

His joy vanished after the officials threw a penalty flag for ‘unsportsmanlike’ behavior.

The NFL has implemented a no-tolerance policy toward improper player celebrations during the offseason. CeeDee Lamb popularized the ‘nose wipe’ celebration after entering the league. The celebration was considered a ‘violent’ gesture because of its associations with rappers like Young Thug and Future.

Unsportsmanlike gestures like simulating either shooting a gun or brandishing a gun, or inappropriate gestures like a throat slash, or unfortunate s**ual gestures, those were up 133% so that is a point of emphasis. The officials have made it a point of emphasis to the clubs.

Walt Anderson, analyst of NFL officiating rules, said (H/T: ESPN)

Last year, George Pickens paid a hefty fine for taunting a Cincinnati Bengals player by mimicking ‘gun firing.’

NFL executive Troy Vincent showed full support for the league committee, doubling down on the violent celebrations. Vincent asserted that there’s no place for violent gestures in football or taunting. The NFL created the guidelines to ensure the integrity of America’s favorite pastime remains rock solid.

The Browns released a statement about Isaiah McGuire’s penalty

The NFL’s intent is clear. If the players themselves don’t abide by the rules, then they will enforce them through penalties.

(Video) 'Nose Wipe' Gesture Leads to Browns' Isaiah McGuire Getting Called out for Unsportsmanlike Conduct During Preseaon Game
Kevin Stefanski (Image via IMAGO)

If McGuire had avoided his ‘nose wipe’ celebration, then the Browns would not have conceded a penalty. Fans may not like it, but they must get used to seeing more yellows on the ground for ‘unsportsmanlike’ behavior.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski, on the other hand, shared a different opinion. He preferred seeing the penalty through a positive lens.

If [the penalty] was going to happen, I’m glad it happened in the preseason.

Kevin Stefanski said

There’s merit in Stefanski’s statement. It’s better to make mistakes in the preseason and learn from them so they can avoid a repeat in the regular season.

The Browns announce roster cuts

NFL teams are trimming players who haven’t produced enough to keep their roster spots. They have until 4 p.m. on August 26 to finalize the 53-man roster for the upcoming season.

The Browns announced their first round of roster cuts on Sunday. Tyler Huntley, who was brought in to cover for injured Kenny Pickett, was released following a two-minute foray in the preseason finale.

According to reports, the Browns waived a total of 17 players and terminated contracts of 4 players.

Players who were cut from the team are offensive linemen Jackson Barton, Javion Cohen, Sebastian Gutierrez, Jason Ivey, Lorenzo Thompson, and Dartanyan Tinsley.

Tight ends Sal Cannella and Mitchell Van Vooren, defensive linemen KJ Henry, Ralph Holley, and Titus Leo, along with linebacker Marvin Moody, are no longer in the Browns building as well.

The Browns open the season by hosting divisional rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals.

Also Read: