Why must NFL players get fined for celebrating? Agree or disagree?

Question

I am a fan of the NFL and I think it is absurd to fine NFL players and penalize them for "celebrating" using the football as a prop or what have you. I remember when Terrell used the football as a pillow after he scored or Chad Johnson's Riverdance, or Joe Horn's cell phone
or Terrell Owens gift to Salvaton army pot on Turkey day. Brandon Jacobs using the football to honor his pregnant wife under his jersey. I just think this adds entertainment to the game and flair. The players should be able to celebrate any way they wish.

Agree or Disagree?

The Giants dont get fined for their stupid "jumpshot" sack dance? Why not?

Answer 1

I agree that it's excessive. Jacobs' and Horn's were sweet (Horn actually called his kids because they couldn't come to the game).

And I didn't watch all of the Dallas game so I didn't even see the TO thing (of course no one will talk about it because the media likes bad-guys and sad stories)

Also, it is very hypocritical. A few weeks ago, Ronde Barber gets an interception and just does some little gesture, and just because a team mate half heartedly did it with him, they got penalized for team-celebration (Giants team-celebrate things all the time). And they still allow the Lambeau Leap, likely because it's historical, yet that could actually stand a chance of hurting the players or fans (by insane fan injury or being crushed respectivley) While simple little uses of the ball as a prop are penalized and fined. (I hate the penalization more than the fine, the $$ is nothing to most guys).

Answer 2

I think the biggest issue is contrasting society. Football was founded on it's ruggedness and no-nonsense attitude, and most of the older players would never even dream of celebrating like players do nowadays. The argument for the celebrations would be that football's sole purpose is entertainment, and they are providing extra flair. I think the people who make the rules are still living in the old days and think there's no room in the game for that stuff. I would agree for the most part just because excessive celebration is a selfish act where a player tries to call more attention to themselves and take all the credit for the play they just made. Football in general is COMPLETELY a team sport, so it is inappropriate for a single player to make a spectacle and try to take all the credit. It's also not very sportsmanlike...on most plays the other team could just as easily have intercepted or caused a fumble, etc. That's my two-cents worth.

Answer 3

I do think that they should continue to fine the players for celebrating in certain ways.Endzone celebrations I think are stupid and chilidish really.Their NFL players,professionals,they shouldn't be dancing around like HS players everytime they score.True NFL fans should just enjoy the game,enjoy the scoring and the sacks and all that and not what kinda dance or gimmick that follows.

Answer 4

It's one thing to celebrate a bit with one spontaneous display, but don't hold up the game or draw any unnecessary attention to yourself or act like a taunting schoolyard bully! Just play the game, and if you score, exchange high fives, pump your fists, and do a short little dance! We don't need some choreographed Broadway show in the endzone! The games already take a bit over 3 hours on average, so act like you've scored before and play! I think they enjoy themselves enough as it is with the money they make to play a GAME and be afforded the lifestyle they have. Therefore, they need to make it quick and stop acting like fools out there. Enough of them act like fools off the field as it is!

Answer 5

Celebrating does nothing to add to the game. It's not even good entertainment. It is just some diva showing off. A real good player should act like it's expected for him to be in the end zone.

Answer 6

I have seen many people fined for celebrating this year. I could understand overly dramatic displays with multiple persons involved or something very provacative to the other team. But the one I saw that shocked me most was when Tampa Bay was playing Carolina Panthers on MNF and Ronde Barber held the ball in his hand, while shaking his butt walking off the field. It was ridiculous to charge him with that! (and i was cheering for Carolina in that game!)

Answer 7

back in the day celebrations meant something, especially for the black players in society back then (see spiking the ball after touchdown)
today most of the celebrations are childish. just do your job.....
you don't see ford workers celebrating around gm workers after outproducing....
a little sportsmanship is good for the game

they shouldn't be fined...

note: owens stole the pen routine from cfl player kelly malveaux, who thought he had an interception the result being a touchdown for the opposing team

Answer 8

I completely disagree. The celebrations were getting entirely out of hand and something had to be done. I applaud the commissioner for forcing these professionals to act like they really are professionals. I do not miss seeing all the celebration garbage at all.

Answer 9

I'm split between the two. i think the No fun league is too harsh. i like to watch ocho sinco's celebrations. i think it reminds everyone that its just a GAME and its played to have FUN. now on the other hand, i think that people can take it too far and start celebrating on minor stuff like getting a tackle cough*ray lewis*cough. also, they should ban the "ballin" thing for everyone not named michael stranhan

Answer 10

NFL players work their @ss off in the heat during preseason, they practice every day, and they play the game hard......they deserve to celebrate a little after they score, because the hard work paid off.