The NFL hates fun. There’s no denying this fact, as Roger Goodell and the league have actively tried to eliminate any semblance of entertaining antics during any form of celebration.
Players doing anything more than hugging or patting each other on the helmet after an incredible play has resulted in penalties and/or massive fines. How much? SB Nation reports $340,302 has been taken from players for having fun.
Goodell previously excused getting tough on fun emulating Helen Lovejoy, telling the Washington Post fun antics like touchdown celebrations weren’t professional.
“It comes down to balancing a lot of issues, the professional standards that we want to uphold. We do believe that our players are role models and others look at that at the youth level. So that’s important for us to hold that standard up. And it’s part of being a professional. So that’s one element of it.”
Some fines have been justified, like Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry’s throat slashing gesture last month, but most of the penalties have been borderline ridiculous.
For example, the highest fine levied against a celebration was an unsportsmanlike penalty to Odell Beckham Jr. The Giants wide receiver was docked almost $25,000 for simply removing his helmet and exacting revenge on a kicking net. It all happened after a touchdown.
ELI MANNING.
ODELL BECKHAM JR.
66 yards.And the @Giants take the lead! #BALvsNYG https://t.co/UqyRMducMR
— NFL (@NFL) October 16, 2016
Some other indefensible fines? Giants defensive end Owa Odighizuwa was fined more than $12,000 for pretending to take a picture. Allen Robinson was fined more than $9,000 for simply spinning a football. Antonio Brown received the same fine for twerking, a $6,000 fine for wearing blue cleats and another $24,000 + fine for thrusting his hips.
The league isn’t even consistent with its bogus calls. Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman received a more than $9,000 fine for shooting a bow and arrow after a play – just like New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks had done previously, without getting fined. If the NFL is going to call dumb penalties, at least don’t be frustratingly inconsistent.
$340,000+ is an absurd amount of total fines considering most of them are downright silly. With dwindling ratings, allowing players to express minor jubilation would add more entertainment value to the sport. It’s crazy the NFL is actively against it. The NHL and NBA invite it. Fun needs to come back to football.
