Drake London's shooting celebration violated longstanding NFL rules against violent gestures

Falcons wide receiver Drake London was penalized after catching a touchdown pass in the final minute of Atlanta's 22-21 victory in Philadelphia on Monday night for pretending to shoot in the air, a violation of a longstanding NFL rule that prohibits violent gestures.

''There's a lot of stuff going around in the world with gun violence that I don't think I should have displayed there,'' London told reporters. ''So, I'm not too happy with it, and (you) probably won't see that again from me.''

London's 7-yard TD catch on a pass from Kirk Cousins tied the score at 21-21. His penalty pushed the extra point back 15 yards but Younghoe Koo made it from 48 yards out to give Atlanta a lead and Jessie Bates intercepted Jalen Hurts' pass on the ensuing drive to seal the victory.

''We approach player celebrations as expressions of exuberance that are part of the excitement of the game. Rules were modified in 2017 that permitted group celebrations, including choregraphed demonstrations. Offensive demonstrations, celebrations that are prolonged and delay the game, and those directed at an opponent are still penalized,'' NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement. ''Players are reminded annually and it's part of the player manual that demonstrations that constitute taunting or unsportsmanlike conduct, or delays the game, will result in a foul against his team.

London's celebration came 12 days after four people were killed in a shooting at Apalachee High School near Winder, Georgia. The Falcons hosted the school's football team at their practice facility last week.