The report said that the hand signals were noticed while league officials were scrutinizing New England's videotaping opponents during games.

The NFL has hired experts have to examine game tapes and identify the gestures.

"There have been some suspected things we've seen," Milt Ahlerich, the league's vice president of security, told the newspaper. "When we see it, we quietly jump on it immediately identify the player or employee involved to cease and desist. Period."

Ahlerich said NFL players have been warned about the influence of gangs and other forms of organized crime.

Last year, Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams was gunned down after an altercation involving known gang members.

The issue of athletes flashing signs gained national attention in April when Boston's Paul Pierce was fined $25,000 by the NBA for making "menacing gestures" during a playoff game against Atlanta.