IRVING, Texas -- Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant has made a trademark of flashing the "X" sign, a promotional move destined at least in part to earn him profits as he ascends to NFL greatness. But in Sunday's win over the Rams, he flashed a "throat-cut" gesture -- and in the NFL, that's an action that costs players money.
Bryant has been fined $7,875 by the league for a throat-slash gesture made after his first-quarter touchdown. Bryant also was penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct.
"It wasn't really a throat slash, but I was wrong," said Bryant, who did immediately approach coach Jason Garrett on the sideline to apologize. "I came right to him and told him this is why I got the flag."
Bryant -- whose "X" sign is being incorporated into a Nike shoe campaign -- said he plans to appeal the fine.
"I'm going to appeal it," he said. "I have to. (But) I shouldn't have done it anyway."
