Poll: Referees want NFL to eliminate celebration penalties

[jetplt67]

Gee, how did I know I would be one of the few to vote no. A spike or similar celebration is fine, the problem is the excessive celebrations that look unprofessional and childish. Keep em

 

[bnw]

bnw = bob 'n weave = Rams only Super Bowl Championship = more celebrations, please.

 

[Memento]

I've never been a fan of fining people for - or throwing penalties on - celebrations. Let the players do what they want. They're the ones who scored the touchdown, so if you don't want them celebrating, don't let 'em score.

 

[yrba1]

Glad the refs feel for the players and many fans. Gotta find that fine line between taunting and celebrations though, which is pretty easy when it's just a matter of eye contact.

 

[Loyal]

"I eat shit's like you for breakfast!" ~Mojo Risen

 

[LesBaker]

That's fair, and I think you took the words right outta my mouth. I'm fine with a little fun, but not in your face stuff. The NBA had a bit of an issue severak years back but squashed it when they started handing out technical fouls.

Absofuckinglutely. The moderation in this modern NFL is a transparent disgrace to the nature of what used to make sports "fun" to watch.

First and foremost it's entertainment, at least to most fans. The NFL has tried to make it completely about the actual product and not just the "feeling" and it's not helping. They need to loosen up.

'Take Us Back to the Ochocinco Days’

Fact is he was FUN. At first I didn't like it, but then it dawned on me he was doing what he could to make it fun for the fans. I've posted a clip of some of his celebrations, the River Dance was awesome. In that clip, before a game, he turns to the fans in the stands and says "I'm going to give you guys your moneys worth today".

He understood why they paid. Yeah fans want to see their teams win but they also want to enjoy the afternoon either at home or at the venue.

A spike or similar celebration is fine, the problem is the excessive celebrations that look unprofessional and childish.

Yes, there is a limit to what should be allowed for sure. I hope they loosen up because it's a fun game to watch the less the refs have to throw stupid flags. Even the penatly a player can get for taking their helmet off is stupid and deserves to go.

 

[Selassie I]

I hope they do this... the celebrations are fun. Especially the talented celebrations. Hell, the lame ones are funny too.

This makes way too much sense though... so I don't look for it to happen.

 

[DaveFan'51]

Eliminating These penalties is undoubtedly the Best idea I have ever heard from any Ref!!

 

[Prime Time]

View: https://twitter.com/ESPNNFL/status/867442255694528512

http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/...d-isnt-legal-under-nfls-new-celebration-rules

What is (and isn't) legal under NFL's new celebration rules
Kevin Seifert/NFL Nation

A group celebration, such as Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt gathering in the end zone, is now allowed for the 2017 NFL season. James A. Finley/AP Photo

Our days of ridiculing the NFL for its stodgy and uptight response to harmless player celebrations are over.

For the most part.

Probably.

It's almost definite.

OK, let's go with it.

The NFL announced Tuesday that it has relaxed its rules to allow for the kind of benign celebrations that entertain fans and allow players a sense of individuality and creativity. The decision was years in the making; as the first chart shows, touchdown celebration penalties have spiked by a factor of almost 10 since 2012. Player fines have also risen accordingly, as seen in the second chart. (The figures do not reflect possible reduction or reversal on appeal.)

Still, there is a fair amount of gray area within the new guidelines. Acts that are "spontaneous displays of emotion," in the words of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, will be allowed. But demonstrations that are deemed offensive, that delay the game, or are directed at opponents are still prohibited.

The informed guess here is that officials will be instructed to err on the side of fun (for once), unless and until the issue gets out of hand. How should NFL players handle it?

Let's take a closer look, with some help from the NFL's GIF-loaded announcement to fans.

YES, YOU CAN DO THIS ...

Group celebrations

In an attempt to minimize the chances for a physical confrontation, the NFL long ago banned elaborate multi-player performances that became events unto themselves. Those of us with some gray in our hair remember the Washington Redskins' Fun Bunch.

Going to the ground

Some players had gotten around this requirement in creative ways, none better than when retired defensive end Jared Allen kept his knee one inch above the ground during his signature lasso move. In this photo, you are reminded that Green Bay Packers receiver Randall Cobb will be allowed to go to the ground for a snow angel. (Cobb wasn't penalized for it last season, either, as the NFL began backing away from the rule even then.)

Packers receiver Randall Cobb was not penalized for celebrating his touchdown catch against Houston with a snow angel in the end zone. Mike Roemer/AP Photo

Use the ball as a prop

This rule was responsible for so many of the most mystifying penalties we saw in recent years. Example: Redskins tight end Vernon Davis' penalty last season for using the football as a basketball and shooting a "jump shot" over the crossbar. Now we can go back to pretending the football is a baby and rocking it. Or, as then-Cleveland Browns receiver Terrelle Pryor tried last season, using it as "chalk" to evoke NBA star LeBron James' pregame routine.

"I don't consider the ball as a prop on that one," Jay Gruden said of Vernon Davis' celebration. "I might've done the same thing, but now we know and he won't ever do it again." AP Photo/Alex Brandon

NOPE, YOU STILL CAN'T DO THIS ...

Violent or offensive imagery

Players will still be penalized if they perform what can be perceived as a violent act, such as a throat slash or pretending to shoot a gun. The rule even extends to the use of an imaginary bow and arrow, as Redskins cornerback Josh Norman and New England Patriots receiver Brandin Cooks have done in the past.

Josh Norman celebrates his interception with a "bow and arrow," and was penalized for the celebration in the Redskins' Week 4 game against Cleveland. Chuck Burton/AP Photo

Sexually suggestive acts

For the most part, we'll leave this one to your imagination. But one to keep in mind is the twerk dance performed by Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown. Those moves are considered suggestive and thus will still be penalized if seen.

Even with the NFL's relaxed celebration guideline, this move by Antonio Brown would still be penalized. Rob Carr/Getty Images