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The costly penalty presented a stark contrast to the NCAA’s lenient governance of unsportsmanlike acts. Arch Manning was not punished for a similar flex.
The Rams and Eagles faced off in Week 3 action with both sides looking to move to 3-0. Philadelphia struck first on a Jalen Hurts touchdown run.
It was all Los Angeles over the next two quarters.
The Rams scored 26 consecutive points to build a three-score lead. They then saw the Eagles battle back to cut the deficit to five points.
LA appeared on its way to extending its advantage once again before a questionable penalty flag halted a promising drive.
The wideout flexed in the face of a defender. While many viewed the call as soft, it resulted in a 15-yard penalty.
That punishment pushed the Rams out of fringe field goal range. They later turned the ball over on downs, lost the lead, and eventually the game.
Puka Nacua flagged for taunting for celebrating after a 1st down pic.twitter.com/r1voEtoQ1K
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) September 21, 2025
The NFL has made unsportsmanlike activity a point of emphasis in 2025. While no new rule was officially introduced, the league has said enforcing penalties for taunting will be a priority.
We saw it almost immediately during a Week 1 game between the Eagles and Cowboys. Philadelphia was on the wrong side of the flag in that instance.
No Fun League.
Eagles, Smith Jr flagged for taunting after flexing here. pic.twitter.com/255V08KWhx
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) September 5, 2025
The NFL has drawn a line in the sand on unsportsmanlike conduct. It dug its feet in the ground on the strict stance with Puka Nacua. Meanwhile, college football is celebrating the disrespect.
The Texas quarterback scored a touchdown against Sam Houston State. He immediately responded by flexing over the top of his would-be tackler.
His mother was not proud of the reaction, but most everyone else celebrated the act. That included the Longhorns football team.
Arch aura pic.twitter.com/L4nyWxdNpH
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 21, 2025
Manning’s taunt much more egregious. He sought out his opponent. Nacua’s disrespect was not directed at one particular player.
One could argue that controlling emotions is much more pertinent when dealing with teenagers as opposed to grown men. You’d expect the leagues to officiate these issues similarly, with the NCAA maybe being a bit quicker to de-escalate the situation.
Instead, we saw the opposite this weekend. Arch Manning was allowed to taunt. Puka Nacua was not!
The post Puka Nacua Taunt Presents Stark Contrast To NCAA’s Lenient Governance Of Unsportsmanlike Acts appeared first on BroBible.
