LSU's Kyren Lacy Penalized for Pretend Gun Celebration

LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after pretending to shoot at USC defense.

LSU's first touchdown of the season was overshadowed by a controversial celebration.

With 7:09 remaining in the second quarter, Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier connected with Lacy on a 19-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 7-7. However, Lacy's momentum carried him into the tunnel, where he appeared to pretend to shoot a gun at the USC defense as he exited.

LSU's Kyren Lacy Penalized for Pretend Gun Celebration

The referees promptly threw a flag, resulting in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against LSU. The penalty forced the Tigers to kick off from their own 20-yard line instead of the customary 35-yard line.

ESPN commentators Rece Davis and Kirk Herbstreit both agreed that the penalty was justified. Herbstreit acknowledged the emotional nature of college football but emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable.

LSU's Kyren Lacy Penalized for Pretend Gun Celebration

"When you do something like that, it's unsportsmanlike conduct," Herbstreit said. "That's a good call."

Lacy repeated the celebration on the bench, further incensing the officials. USC's Zachariah Branch returned the ensuing kickoff 46 yards, setting up the Trojans for a field goal that gave them a 10-7 lead.

LSU's Kyren Lacy Penalized for Pretend Gun Celebration

Lacy, a senior, began his college career at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette before transferring to LSU in 2022. He started in 10 of the Tigers' 13 games last season, alongside now-NFL receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., who were both first-round picks.

Despite having a breakout season with 30 receptions for 558 yards and seven touchdowns last year, Lacy's unsportsmanlike conduct penalty is likely to overshadow his touchdown on Saturday.

The game remained tied at 10-10 at halftime, with the outcome still hanging in the balance. LSU will need to find a way to overcome the penalty and regain their composure in the second half if they wish to secure a victory.

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