NBA to Cavs, Heat: Don't use 3-point goggle gesture in Brazil

We often see NBA players celebrate making a three-point shot with a hand gesture referred to as "three-goggles."

We won't, however, be seeing the "three-goggles" this weekend when the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Miami Heat in preseason action in Rio de Janeiro. Why? Because the gesture is off-limits in Brazil.

It may sound strange, but it's true. To fans in the United States, "three-goggles" are just a silly celebration. But in Brazil, it has the opposite meaning.

According to Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group, the gesture is considered offensive in Brazil and both teams have been advised to avoid it:

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. 

The NBA sent the Cavs and Heat a memo with a list of questionable gestures that shouldn't be used in Brazil, we're told. The last thing anybody wants is for the stands to clear immediately after a player nails a 3-pointer.

Haynes noted that James Jones, the Cavs' 3-point specialist, says he was not made aware of the memo and knew nothing about the gesture being an insult in Brazil.

"Hey, that's why I just salute after I hit one," James told Haynes. "That's not offending anyone, right?"

We can't wait to see what else these guys come up with.

[H/T Cleveland.com]