Buccaneers' Gerald McCoy Gauges NFL's Celebration Limits on 'Hard Knocks'

When does an NFL celebration become excessive? As seen on HBO's Hard Knocks, Gerald McCoy used training camp to workshop the league's relaxed rules with official Ed Hochuli.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle sought clarity on what will still get penalized. He continually asked "Is this too much?" while dancing with different facial suggestions, which he theorized played a major factor.

It indeed was too much. According to ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert, offensive imagery and sexually suggestive acts remain punishable, so McCoy would still receive a penalty.

Hochuli tried to explain, per NFL Films, but the All-Pro lineman insisted that moving his knees shouldn't qualify.

Without a precise three-pump rule, players, fans and even referees may have trouble distinguishing permissable fun from unsportsmanlike conduct this season. Everyone can laugh now, but McCoy was wise to test the tipping point before costing Tampa Bay 15 yards for suggestively swinging his knees during a game.

[NFL, NFL Films]