'Nose wipe' and finger guns listed on NFL's new list of banned 'violent' gestures



The NFL updated its list of banned gestures in a report sent to every team that has many fans confused over the included "nose wipe" celebration.

The league sent the new rules to all 32 teams and, as ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak reported, included the "prohibited acts" list under the unsportsmanlike conduct section.

"According to the full rules report sent to NFL teams this week, the 'nose wipe' celebration is now a 15 yard penalty for being a 'violent gesture,'" Solak wrote on X, with a screenshot from the rulebook.

In addition to stating that players are to follow the "generally understood principles of sportsmanship," the league included other specific acts that are considered "violent" gestures.

"Throat slash, simulating firing or brandishing a gun, or using the 'nose wipe' gesture, or an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive" are all fineable offenses, the league wrote.

The NFL has famously fined players for celebrations like the "crotch grab," an ode to former player Marshawn Lynch, as well as for using finger guns, a harmless act performed even by top stars like Patrick Mahomes, who received a fine for the gesture last season.

The inclusion of the "nose wipe" gesture had fans scratching their heads, especially considering it has become somewhat of a signature celebration for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Lamb even shared Solak's report and added that he certainly had "plenty" other celebrations in mind for what could be considered a violent gesture. The Cowboy then shared a clip of him doing the celebration after a catch.

— (@)

What does it mean?

Several reports indicate the gesture does not have the harmless origins that finger guns, or perhaps wearing different colored shoes (another fineable offense), may have.

According to NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk, the nose wipe is a gang sign associated with the Bloods, which indicates someone is untrustworthy.

The Baltimore Sun reported similarly in 2019 and said someone who wipes the tip of his nose with his index finger could mean "I don't trust him" if a member of the Bloods.

As well, a Virginia State Police intelligence report on the Bloods from 2008 listed the rubbing of one's nose as a sign that he doesn't have a weapon and wiping the face to identify police, but there is nothing specifically about a nose wipe.

The term has been used by rappers for at least a decade, several of whom have alleged gang affiliations. However, it is impossible to tell Lamb's specific meaning behind the celebration, which he has reportedly used since he entered the NFL in 2020.

This wouldn't be the first time the league handed out fines for seemingly inexplicable reasons; the NFL has flip-flopped numerous times on what it deems to be inappropriate.

Specifically, giant red kettles, which are novelty Christmas decorations from charity organization the Salvation Army, have spawned occasional fines when players have jumped into them. Other times, no fines were handed out to players who did the same celebratory jump.

The mixed messaging confused Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown, who accused the league of baiting players into fine-worthy acts.

In total, the NFL fined players nearly $12.5 million in 2024, a sum significantly more than in 2021 ($7.1 million) but significantly less than in 2019 ($27.8 million).

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Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy OUT. Deion Sanders next in line?



After five seasons that included three playoff appearances but still no Super Bowl shots, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones announced that the team would be parting ways with head coach Mike McCarthy.

Jason Whitlock thinks Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders might just be perfect for the job.

According to an inside source Jason knows, rumors are already swirling around Deion’s potential departure from the Buffaloes now that his two sons have finished their last season and are headed to the NFL.

“Fearless” contributor Steve Kim is hoping Whitlock is right. He would love nothing more than to see Coach Prime wear the Dallas star.

“If Jerry wants to get the regular, average, garden-variety coach,” Sanders probably isn’t the answer, he says. But if he wants someone “that's going to be fun and intriguing and a great storyline,” Sanders would fit the bill.

“In fact, you know what? Make a trade up — trade Micah Parsons for a bunch of draft choices to get Shedeur,” he adds.

“Shedeur doesn’t have that kind of leverage,” counters Jason, adding that “the only leverage Shedeur has … [is] Deion.”

“It’s like LeBron with Bronny. No one was drafting Bronny other than the Lakers,” he says. “Deion would make it very crystal clear that … [Shedeur] is only going to show up to play in a Cowboys uniform.”

“The Cowboys could take Shedeur, Deion would have his boy,” and the Cowboys “could try to move on from Dak Prescott,” he adds, noting that sports media critics, like Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith, will certainly be “campaigning for Deion to take over the Cowboys job.”

It might even be a “smart move” for Deion. If he can “put up with Jerry” and be successful, eventually “he’d end up having more leverage than Jerry,” Jason speculates. “Maybe it’s a match made in heaven and hell.”

To hear more of the conversation, watch the clip above.

Want more from Jason Whitlock?

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Fiancée of Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has $40,000 of luxury items stolen in latest NFL-related robbery



The fiancée of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was the latest victim in a string of robberies related to NFL players and their spouses.

Sarah Jane Ramos, mother of Prescott's 10-month-old daughter, was on her way to a Pilates class the day after Christmas and reportedly left her vehicle unlocked before her goods were stolen.

Ramos "quickly rushed inside due to the rain," a police report stated, per WFAA. "Due to the haste," Ramos "forgot to lock her [vehicle] door."

When Ramos returned to her vehicle, she realized that many "designer handbags and wallets" were stolen. Brands reportedly included Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Other items included "computer software and cash," totaling an estimated $40,000.

'These groups appear to exploit team schedules ...'

Other NFL players have reported robberies of their homes, included Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, whose house was burglarized while he played in a "Monday Night Football" game.

"So obviously everybody has heard what has happened," Burrow said during a media briefing. "I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one, and way more is already out there than I would want out there and that I care to share. So that's all I got to say about that."

A 23-year-old Sports Illustrated model named Olivia Ponton and her mother called the police after Ponton arrived at Burrow's home to notice that a bedroom window had been shattered and a room was ransacked.

"Someone is trying to break into the house right now," Ponton’s mother told police. "My daughter is there. This is Joe Burrow's house. She is staying there. He's at the football game."

Model Olivia Ponton reportedly called police after a robbery at Joe Burrow's house.Photo by TheStewartofNY/FilmMagic

The NFL had issued a warning to its players that a group of "organized and skilled" criminals had been targeting their homes.

"The homes of professional athletes across multiple sports leagues have become increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups," the memo posted on X stated. "Law enforcement officials have noted these groups appear to exploit team schedules to target athletes' homes on game days."

A source familiar with the situation also described the criminals as "a transnational crime ring."

In late November, Kansas City law enforcement officials said the homes of Kansas City Chiefs players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes were robbed on consecutive days. WDAF-TV reported that about $20,000 was stolen from Kelce, while the amount taken from Mahomes was unknown.

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NFL Fines Player For MAGA Hat After Paying Kaepernick Millions Over His Kneeling Stunt

The NFL only wants to give the appearance of allowing the players freedom of expression while controlling which messages can be expressed and which can’t.

Dallas Cowboys reportedly try to get their Pro Bowl kicker out of jury duty — but he refuses



Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey missed practice Wednesday and was later revealed to be attending jury duty during that time.

Aubrey, a second-year kicker who went to Notre Dame, was listed as a nonparticipant at the most recent Cowboys practice after being selected for a 12-person jury in Tarrant County, Texas.

The felony assault case pertains to a second-degree strangulation charge against the defendant.

Football reporter Nick Harris broke the news and noted that the Cowboys tried to get Aubrey out of the jury duty stint, but the kicker refused. Aubrey reportedly insisted that he fulfill his civic duty on Wednesday — and moving forward — despite the possibility of missing pivotal regular season games.

Aubrey is expected to return to court Thursday and Friday, but the judge reportedly will take his football schedule into consideration.

"There's not a clear timetable for how long the case will last," Harris wrote.

The reporter added, "This case does not require jurors to be sequestered."

With jurors being released for nights and weekends, Aubrey will be available for this Sunday night's game against the San Francisco 49ers, which has a 7:20 p.m. CT kickoff.

This case does not require jurors to be sequestered, meaning he will be available for Sunday’s game in San Francisco if the case lasts that long.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) October 23, 2024

At the same time, Aubrey could end up missing several more practices and even a game if the case persists on weekends. The Cowboys play afternoon games on both Nov. 3 and Nov. 10, visiting the Atlanta Falcons before returning home to play the Philadelphia Eagles.

Media members began questioning Aubrey's whereabouts when he was not seen during the media portion of the Cowboy's practice Wednesday. Later that day, multiple eyewitnesses reported seeing Aubrey serving on a jury in a Fort Worth courthouse.

Juror information has not been made public.

Aubrey played in the United States Football League prior to the NFL; he already has an NFL record of eight-straight games with a field goal over 50 yards. He made the Pro Bowl in the 2023-2024 season, his first with the Cowboys.

'We've all got a civic duty to do'

Aubrey isn't the first Cowboy to insist on fulfilling his jury duty.

Former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten in 2012 missed morning meetings and his scheduled physical before arriving late to a preseason minicamp due to serving on a jury in Denton County.

"We've all got a civic duty to do," Witten said at the time, according to ESPN. "Proud to be a citizen and held up my end. It went a little longer than we thought, but it was a good experience. I was just glad I was able to get back in time for practice."

Then-coach Jason Garrett stated that Witten is a "good citizen" who "cares about the judicial process" and never considered trying to get out of jury duty.

"Guys, when you get your summons, don't be skipping out," Witten reportedly said.

The tight end donated his jury pay.

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'I want my reparations right now': Emmitt Smith backs DEI once again, demands payment from University of Florida



Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith again criticized the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from universities, claiming the programs are being removed out of spite.

The running back added to comments he made in March 2024, calling out the University of Florida specifically for removing DEI programs. Having played at the university himself, Smith took issue with the lack of payment he got in a time before NIL payments have made so many college athletes into high-income earners.

"Bro, I want my reparations right now from the University of Florida," Smith told USA Today. "I want to send their [expletive] a bill. I want interest on mine. Because I know one thing: When I was in that stadium – and I hate to talk about myself, but the system has forced me to talk about it because we couldn't get NIL [payments] – running up and down that field with Cedric Smith leading the way with my great offensive linemen blocking for me, when you looked up in those stands you saw a whole lot of E. Smith jerseys up there. E. Smith 22s. You can look at the old videos and see how many jerseys were walking around. And I didn’t receive one red cent," he recalled.

BlazeTV commentator Jason Whitlock said that Smith and the university engaged in a fair exchange.

"Emmitt is infected with the disease of entitlement," the "Fearless" host stated. "The University of Florida helped him on his journey, and he helped the University of Florida."

"It was a fair exchange. Emmitt is out over his skis and just saying what is popular at the moment," Whitlock added.

'They only want you to do one thing for them ... help them raise capital so they can continue to build monuments around there of people that don’t look like you or I.'

Smith said he believed that DEI was a "consequence of NIL" and lamented about how DEI programs are needed to ensure black or Latino students get into certain schools.

"How can we help our other African American and Latino students around the country get into this great university? To me, taking that DEI component away says you get to make all the decisions you want and not include people who can also have a significant impact on the university."

The former Dallas Cowboy would also like to see DEI apply to the corporate world. He expressed that construction companies should be given the opportunity to work on projects based on the race of their ownership.

"There's a lot of talk, a lot of rhetoric, and I've seen how some of this stuff works ... I've seen where you have infrastructure projects around the [Dallas-Fort Worth] area, and the same four major companies are the lead construction folks on those sites. The limitations that minority companies have is not only working capital but also the capacity to get on those jobs."

— (@)

The Super Bowl champion said that DEI was being destroyed simply for the "sake of politics" and out of "spite and sheer power."

He added that DEI programs were likely never going to be something that was kept and invoked the death of George Floyd as a marker for when DEI programs started popping up.

“In other words, they said, 'This is for the moment.' And again, that just goes to show you that they really didn't mean it. It's not in their heart to do what's right. It's in their heart to keep the system going the way it is. So, anyone making that decision, they were never for it, never for equality. And some of them weren't doing it before George Floyd. So, what makes you think they are going to do it now? They're trying to get rid of something that was a pipeline to opening up the opportunities, even for small and minority businesses."

The football star rounded out his comments with remarks about needing representation of certain skin colors in order to feel welcomed.

"They really don't have their best interest at heart. They only want you to do one thing for them, and that is to generate excitement and enthusiasm all around sports and entertainment, to help them raise capital so they can continue to build monuments around there of people that don’t look like you or I."

He said the biggest question for the University of Florida that is not being addressed was, "How can we get minority enrollment up?"

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FACT CHECK: Did Cowboys Coach Mike McCarthy Suspend A Player For Kneeling During Anthem?

There is no evidence this occurred

'We left a Marine?!! Hell nah': Dallas Cowboys star rips Biden over Brittney Griner prisoner swap — then caves, apologizes after leftists pounce



Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons — the 2021 first-round pick for America's Team — on Thursday morning blasted President Joe Biden over what Parsons saw as a shortsighted prisoner swap that got U.S. women's basketball player Brittney Griner released from a Russian penal colony.

But within hours — after leftists tore into him for attacking their beloved commander-in-chief — Parsons was caving, apologizing, and walking back just about everything.

What happened?

Parsons found out that ex-Marine Paul Whelan — convicted in 2020 of spying and sentenced to 16 years in maximum-security Russian prison — wasn't part of the swap, and the Cowboys' defensive leader was not happy.

"Wait nah!! We left a marine?!! Hell nah," Parsons tweeted.

\u201cWait nah!! We left a marine?!! Hell nah\u201d
— Micah Parsons (@Micah Parsons) 1670504897

Whelan has denied all charges, and talks about his release allegedly were continuing.

Parsons also tweeted that Biden wouldn't get his vote despite the announcement of Griner's release:

Image source: Twitter

But that tweet was soon deleted.

Leftists jump into the fray; Parsons caves

Leftists get bent out of shape when Twitter users with big platforms — and who should be on board with left-wing policies, like professional athletes — fail to toe the company line. They were similarly disturbed with Parsons, and soon enough he was walking back his complaints and apologizing.

He started by expressing support for Griner and saying it's "crazy" that Biden wasn't also bringing back Whelen. Parsons added that while he's no supporter of former President Donald Trump, he has no love for Biden, either:

\u201cMy last tweet was no shot at Brittney Griner. I\u2019m super happy she\u2019s back home as she should be. I just have family who have served and it\u2019s crazy to me the President wouldn\u2019t bring him home too. I\u2019m the furthest thing from a trump supporter but I\u2019m not a fan of Biden either.\u201d
— Micah Parsons (@Micah Parsons) 1670510040

Less than an hour later, Parsons was in full mea culpa mode:

\u201cthen the best outcome was accomplished. I pray Mr. Whelan comes home but am extremely happy for Brittney and her family. I am not too prideful to admit when I\u2019ve made a mistake.\u201d
— Micah Parsons (@Micah Parsons) 1670512279

Anything else?

Another huge issue regarding Biden's prisoner swap is that the Russians got back arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence and allegedly was a high priority for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Former DEA agents involved in Bout's capture told CBS News the Bout-for-Griner exchange could damage the "deterrence and consequences of committing crimes against the United States" now that "killers and criminals" know they can negotiate their way out of long sentences.

Griner in August was sentenced to nine years behind Russian bars for smuggling illegal drugs into the country. In February she was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport when vape cartridges containing hashish oil were found in her luggage. Prosecutors argued that the 0.720 grams of cannabis found is a "significant amount."

Griner admitted to bringing the banned substance to Russia but claimed it was an accident.

LeBron James stops supporting Dallas Cowboys over pro-national anthem team policy: 'Didn’t think that was appropriate'



NBA superstar LeBron James says he stopped supporting the Dallas Cowboys because they did not kneel for the national anthem.

What is the background?

After the NFL updated its rules to permit players to remain in the locker room during the national anthem, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reiterated his team's policy: They honor the national anthem.

"I will speak for one, and everybody knows where we stand, and we stand as a team," Jones said in July 2018. "Our policy is that you stand at the anthem, toe on the line."

What did James say?

Speaking on Instagram Live, James, a longtime Cowboys fan, said on Thursday that he stopped being a fan of the Cowboys over their stance on kneeling.

"There were just a lot of things that were going on during when guys were kneeling and guys were having freedom of speech," James said.

"They wanted to do it in a very peaceful manner," he claimed. "A lot of people in their front office and a lot of people that ran the organization were like, ‘If you do that around here, then you will never play for this franchise again.'"

"And I just didn’t think that was appropriate so," he added.

\u201cLeBron James on why he\u2019s not @dallascowboys fan anymore:\n\n\u201cNah man I had to sit put on the Cowboys man. It just a things that were going on when guys were kneeling... [The] organization were like if do that around here you won\u2019t play for this franchise again.\u201d\n\n#DallasCowboys\u201d
— Landon Buford (@Landon Buford) 1666914903

James, however, did not offer any evidence to back his claim that Cowboys' officials threatened their players if they kneeled.

In fact, there is evidence to the contrary.

After Jones publicly reiterated his team's policy, Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott said the team agreed with Jones.

"Us as a team, we chose to stand together for the national anthem. It was our decision. I think it just shows our culture. It shows that we have unity. We're going to stand as one," Elliott said.

"That's not knocking anyone else who may choose to kneel during the national anthem," he added. "But we're the Dallas Football Cowboys, America's Team. We stand for the national anthem."

Anything else?

James said he is now "all in" on his hometown team, the Cleveland Browns.

Whitlock: Dak Prescott’s $160 million contract was always a mistake



The Dak Prescott pity party kicked off Sunday night, shortly after it became obvious that the Cowboys would struggle to score on the Buccaneers.

In the nightcap of the NFL’s opening Sunday, Prescott’s Cowboys managed a single field goal in a 19-3 loss to Tampa Bay.

Tom Brady vs. America’s Team was supposed to be the “Top Gun: Maverick” of the football weekend. Instead, it was a snoozefest, largely because Dak can’t fly at Brady’s altitude even for short stretches.

Dallas’ $40-million-a-year quarterback is worth half as much as Brady but is paid twice as much as the seven-time Super Bowl champion. At age 45 and entering his 23rd season, Brady charged the Bucs $15 million this season for his services.

Brady has always played for less money than he’s worth because he’s always prioritized winning above salary. Brady is self-aware. The 199th pick of the 2000 draft, Brady has never forgotten he needs to be surrounded by high-level talent to win games. He left New England because Bill Belichick wouldn’t buy him the talent he needed to excel.

Tampa has and will.

Dak Prescott will regret forcing Jerry Jones to give him a $160 million contract a year ago. The big contract comes with big expectations and a lack of sympathy.

Sunday night, when Dak jogged off the field after injuring his thumb, Cowboys fans booed their quarterback and a couple of people tossed their trash at the seventh-year player.

Prescott is no longer the Mississippi State underdog, the fourth-round pick who unseated Tony Romo in 2016. Prescott is an overpaid, average quarterback who doesn’t mask the deficiencies of his teammates or coaches. There’s nothing special about Dak Prescott. He’s a poor man’s Tom Brady who is being paid like he’s Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen.

No one in Dallas really cares that Mike McCarthy is a bad head coach. Or that Jerry Jones is a mediocre general manager. Or that Dallas’ offensive line and receiving corps are suspect. No one cares that Dallas offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is unproven and perhaps in over his head.

Prescott is one of the 10 highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. He’s supposed to mask problems, not accentuate them.

Last night, Prescott exaggerated Dallas’ problems. He threw the ball inaccurately. His arm strength isn’t exceptional. He’s not a dynamic runner. He’s Tom Brady without Tom Brady’s intangibles. Brady’s number-one intangible is self-awareness.

Being married to a filthy rich supermodel (Gisele Bundchen) makes it easier for Brady to compromise on his NFL contracts. I get that.

But at some point, a quarterback like Prescott needed to figure out that an extra $5 to $10 million a year wasn’t going to be worth the raised expectations. Cowboys fans wouldn’t be booing Prescott if he was the 15th highest-paid QB rather than the eighth.

Prescott isn’t Lamar Jackson. I actually believe it would be easier to win a Super Bowl with Prescott than with Jackson. Prescott is a pocket quarterback. Jackson is a dual-threat improviser. Over the long haul, football rewards the pocket passer more than the scrambler.

Having said that, Jackson’s value to the Ravens far exceeds Prescott’s value to Dallas. Jackson is an elite runner who can win games without elite receivers, an elite play-caller, or even an elite offensive line. Jackson will be worth every dime Baltimore pays him. And that’s true even if he gets hurt and loses effectiveness. He’s already earned his record contract. He’s single-handedly carried the Baltimore franchise for four straight years.

Dak doesn’t carry Dallas. He makes the ride smooth when the Cowboys have the necessary pieces to roll. Dallas doesn’t have the necessary pieces.

Last night’s thumb injury is the luckiest break Dak caught against Tampa. He’s going to miss the next six to eight games. He has an excuse for a poor season. The Cowboys will fire Mike McCarthy at some point this season. Dak will start the 2023 season with his third head coach.

It will likely be Sean Payton. Jerry Jones will ask Payton to turn Prescott into Drew Brees. Payton will fail. Brees had elite accuracy. Dak doesn’t.

It’s going to be a long pity party for Dak. The excuse-makers will blame McCarthy and Jason Garrett, Dak’s original head coach.

Greed and ego undermined Dak Prescott: both his own and his agent’s.