Redskins CB Josh Norman Draws Weird Penalty In 31-20 Win Over Browns

Referees in the NFL have often given players penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct, although these types of penalties are rarely followed by a reason as bizarre as the one officials gave Josh Norman at FedEx Field on Sunday.

Redskins CB Josh Norman Draws Weird Penalty In 31-20 Win Over Browns

Late in the fourth quarter of the Redskins‘ 31-20 home victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Washington cornerback was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for celebrating on the sidelines by ‘shooting a bow and arrow,’ as the referees called it.

The officials’ description of Norman’s celebration is accurate, as that seemed to be exactly what he was doing, although we can’t help but wonder what exactly makes that gesture ‘unsportsmanlike.’ It undoubtedly marks the first time a player has ever been flagged for that specific, inoffensive-looking move.

Norman, who was walking along the sideline, understandably looked frustrated by the call, and the announcers were equally confused by the penalty called by referee Jeff Triplette. The call came after Norman made a key interception, and led to ‘disqualification,’ according to Triplette.

Norman has become known for his tense rivalry with New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. 

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins finished 21 of 27 for 183 yards and also had an interception. Cousins threw three touchdown passes, including two to tight end Jordan Reed. Washington (2-2) scored four red zone touchdowns against Cleveland (0-4) after going 3 for 14 in their first three games of the season. Cousins connected with Reed for 8- and 9-yard touchdowns, Chris Thompson for a 5-yard TD, and running back Matt Jones scored from 1 yard out as part of his 117-yard game.

Jones surpassed the 100-yard mark for the first time this season.

Browns running back Isaiah Crowell ran for 112 yards and a touchdown, while Cody Kessler finished 27 of 38 for 215 yards, one touchdown and one interception. However, turnovers on three consecutive second-half possessions cost the Browns an opportunity at their first victory of the season.

The Redskins will next visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, while the Browns will host the New England Patriots on Sunday.

LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 2: Cornerback Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a play against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter at FedExField on October 2, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)