What is a popular celebration for NBA players in the United States is an absolute no-no for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat in Brazil this weekend.
The two teams, which are set to square off in an exhibition game in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, received a memo from the NBA telling them not to use the “three-goggles” celebration during the preseason matchup, according to Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com.
It is not uncommon to see players break out the gesture after knocking down a 3-pointer in the U.S., but in Brazil, it’s actually a very offensive sign.
“Holding up the ‘three-sign’ or the ‘three-goggles’ in a certain way while in Brazil could be mistaken for ‘f— you’ or ‘f— off,’ I was informed,” Haynes wrote.
The three-goggles celebration is just one of many that shouldn’t be used overseas, as the NBA reportedly sent “a list of questionable gestures” in their memo to the two teams. This story could have had a much different ending had the NBA not done their homework, but it looks like some players will have to get a little creative with their 3-pointer celebrations — at least for one weekend.
Photo via Twitter/@PatrickChalvire
