While end zone antics after touchdowns should be monitored closely – and subject to penalty – the NFL is again making a mountain out of molehill by spending hours during owners meeting formulating new rules and guidelines.
The new criteria should be called the “Chad Johnson Rules.”
Last year, Johnson was a sensation not only because of his superb talent, but also because of his touchdown celebrations. They were never rude. In fact, most of them were hilarious. The Tiger Woods imitation with the end zone pylon was classic. The River Dance routine was priceless.
However, in 2006, his Cincinnati Bengals would be penalized 15 yards on the ensuing kickoff for his jubilation.
That’s pitiful.
Carolina’s Steve Smith would also be penalized for the hilarious “row boat paddling” against the Minnesota Vikings as that team dealt with the “Love Boat” scandal. Or how about the hula dance to signify the fact he was headed to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii? Yep, that would be considered taunting and he would get 15 yards.
The NFL should ask itself: Who is being offended? The answer is: no one except the league’s owners.
And for anyone who says “children are watching, and it teaches poor sportsmanship,” the Sportseye says that every professional and major college sport on television has moments that are not suitable for children.
They see coaches berating referees, players abusing the rules and each other when the refs aren’t looking, scantily clad cheerleaders and dancers and beer ad after beer ad after beer ad. But a guy holding up a sign that says, “Please don’t fine me,” deserves a penalty?
A nfl.com poll said 54 percent of fans say the NFL should not be any more stringent with penalties for celebrations than last year.
So, get over it NFL, and let the guys have some fun. Most of the fans don’t mind, why do you?