Was Bearcats WR really penalized for saluting in <em>Military Bowl</em>?

Published Dec. 27, 2014 3:40 p.m. ET

Teddy Mitrosilis

Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Moore scored a touchdown against Virginia Tech in the Military Bowl, and he did something that seemed natural given the setting.

He did a quick salute.

It wasn't much -- just a brief celebratory gesture and perhaps a nod to our armed forces. Look:

Moore was then issued a penalty.

Some thought maybe it was for hugging the team mascot, which Moore did:

But according to Cincinnati broadcaster Tom Gelehrter, Moore was penalized for the salute:

Seriously?

It's bad enough that officials still issue penalties for such innocuous gestures, but maybe, just maybe, we can use a little judgment for a salute in the Military Bowl.

Teddy Mitrosilis is an editor and writer for FOXSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TMitrosilis and email him at tmitrosilis@gmail.com.