Dallas Cowboys star receiver CeeDee Lamb is being forced to retire one of his signature celebrations after the NFL classified his "nose wipe" gesture as a prohibited act under new rule changes announced this week.

The league distributed its comprehensive rules report to all 32 franchises, detailing an amendment to unsportsmanlike conduct regulations that specifically targets Lamb's well-known celebration. According to the rule change, found in Section 12, Article 1(d) of the NFL rulebook, the "nose wipe" celebration will now result in a 15-yard penalty.

Lamb, who has used the gesture since entering the league in 2020, responded to the news on social media, writing "smh, I have plenty in mind" along with an unimpressed face emoji6. The four-time Pro Bowler seems ready to create new celebration moves rather than dwell on the loss of his signature gesture.

Why Was It Banned?

The NFL has classified the "nose wipe" among "violent gesture" celebrations that are now prohibited. According to NBC Sports, the league considers the gesture "a gang sign associated with the Bloods, symbolizing that an individual is untrustworthy".

However, no NFL official has publicly gone on record confirming this specific reasoning for the ban. The lack of transparency has fueled criticism from fans who see this as another example of the league micromanaging player expression.

This isn't the first time the NFL has targeted specific celebrations. In 2017, the league relaxed some celebration rules but maintained prohibitions on gestures considered violent or offensive, sexually suggestive acts, and certain uses of props.

Racial Disparity Concerns

The timing of this ban raises questions in light of research showing racial disparities in how celebration penalties are enforced. A 2022 study by Andscape found that since 2018, 90% of flags for celebrating have gone against Black players, who along with biracial athletes make up 68% of NFL rosters.

This disparity has persisted even after the NFL loosened some celebration rules in 2017, with the league maintaining strict control over what it deems appropriate expressions of joy after big plays.

Lamb's Response and Future

Lamb, 25, has established himself as one of the NFL's premier receivers with four Pro Bowl selections and one first-team All-Pro nod in his five seasons, earning a 4-year, $136 million extension from the Cowboys last year. He's recorded 100+ catches in three straight seasons and 1,000+ receiving yards in four consecutive campaigns with 38 career touchdowns.

His social media response suggests fans can expect new creative celebrations from the star wideout next season. Cowboys supporters and many NFL fans have rallied behind Lamb, criticizing what they see as another example of the "No Fun League" overregulating player expression.

The ban on Lamb's celebration will take effect for the upcoming 2025 NFL season.