I can’t believe it, our beloved NFL has endured some considerable grief in 2016 due to the increasingly frequent touchdown celebration penalties. It’s an issue that’s left both teams and fans exasperated. Some of the most outrageous and expensive penalties have been dished out this year, generally forconsidered excessive responses to scoring a touchdown!
It’s like the league is punishing fun and passion on the field, and everyone is angry. From the classic ‘dab’ to a simple hug, the restrictions on celebrations are becoming increasingly stringent and I’m beginning to feel like a ‘freak’ for actually enjoying football. I mean, why have over the top penalties that only detract from the spirit of the sport?
I understand why the league wants to maintain a certain level of professionalism and decorum on the field but seriously, it’s too much. Rarely have we seen some of the classic, fun expressions of joy vanquished so quickly year after year. We’ve seen players fined over 200,000 dollars for a dance, a hug, or a spike. We’ve watched referees throw flags from the edge of the end zone, like referees on a mission, with hands that move faster than a blink of an eye.
When did we stop accepting expressions of joy and excitement? How much longer is this going to be going on? Touchdown celebrations used to be part of the game, a source of passion and fun. And now, it almost seems like the NFL is taking that passion away from the game. It’s dehumanising and frustrating.
I mean, sure, there are moments where a excessive celebration is unacceptable. But when did we decide it was ok to issue penalties for normal, enjoyable expressions of joy?
Unfortunately, because the NFL hasorder, no one is really sure what is allowed these days. It’s like teams and players have to guess, as the policies governing touchdown celebrations change unexpectedly. Personally, I can think of a lot of things that would improve the NFL, Reducing penalties for touchdown celebrations, would be a good start.
The amount of touchdown celebration penalties in the NFL in 2016 has left many feeling frustrated, and I’m no different. It’s time for the league to stop punishing the players for expressing joy. We need to go back to the good old days where spontaneous expressions of cheer were allowed on the field. Touchdown celebrations used to bring light to the game and were a source of entertainment in-between plays.
I don’t know about you, but I’m sure ready for the league to turn back the clock and let players enjoy the game and the moment. Let’s allow spontaneous and creative expressions of joy without fearing a parachute payment or a weeklong suspension. The NFL desperately needs to loosen up on the rules and regulations concerning touchdown celebrations, they’re too strict.
The football world has seen the lack of passion and joy caused by the touchdown celebration penalties, and it’s left players bored and dissatisfied with the league’s regulations. I’m sad to see the classic responses to touchdowns be swiftly swept away.
We need to move away from this “ultra-professionalism” and return to the glory days when NFL teams were filled with genuine enthusiasm and emotion after scoring a touchdown. Who can forget the over-the-top celebrations of Terrell Owens or Chad Johnson? I’d certainly like to see a little more of that on the field!
Furthermore, I believe with just a few changes, the league could enable havens for passionate expression, while still maintaining a level of order and respect in the game. It’s not as complicated as it seems. Perhaps introducing a few levels of fines for example, would aid in clarifying the expectations for touchdowns. Additionally, if all else fails, just properly educate players and coaches on the potential consequences for going against the rules so that everyone is on the same page.
I think what the NFL really needs now, more so than ever, is to relax, let pent-up energy run wild, and have some fun. There’s no reason why players can’t display creative and spontaneous joy after scoring a touchdown, the NFL must allow it. It’s time for the league to rise again, the time is ripe.