League Celebrations
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by user Erooster
Back at the end of March, nobody, that I know, really cared or paid attention to the NFL owners meetings. But, it was there that some new rules were adopted that are in place for this season. The big topics of the meeting being ‘end zone celebrations’, ‘replay changes’, and ‘quarterback protection’. But in this article, I am just looking at end zone celebrations.
Did I like when T.O. signed the ball versus my Seahawks? Nope, but at the same time, it was original and kind of funny. The infamous cell phone call by Joe Horn? Again, original and funny. But according to this year’s rules, all of that will be gone. The only allowed forms are spikes, dunks, Lambeau leaps, spins, dances and simple celebrations. Gone are the days of using props to help in the celebration.
What a joke. The NFL really is the ‘No Fun League’.
But, there are no such restrictions in the CFL. Just look to the Calgary Stampeders in their last game. After a touchdown, Jeremaine Copeland wrapped his legs around the goal post pylon and the rest of the receiving corps, on the field, tucked in behind him. The players bobbed their heads and bodies back and forth as if on a bobsled run.
Sure, there are old school football fans, of an older generation, that dislike the celebrations. But then again, they frown upon any type of celebration in the end zone. Just return the ball to a ref and head for the bench, is what they would like to see.
Bob Dean, a former member of the Edmonton Eskimos from 1954 to 1956 is one such fan. “I have had enough of paid professional football players dancing and prancing…and making spectacles of themselves following touchdowns, tackles or some other routine task of football. I want to watch football, not ballet or exhibitionism.” Sounds to me like Bob is on the NFL Rules Committee.
Stamps head coach, Tom Higgins, is not a fan of the celebrations either. He does, however, let his team continue with their celebrations. “…But that individuality. I will never take that away from an athlete. That is part of what the CFL is all about.”
As a fan of professional football, I look forward to seeing what NFL receivers Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens, or Steve Smith can come up with this year. Or, I can change channels and watch the CFL players have fun in their celebrations without league interference.
Date
Tue 08/29/06, 8:07 pm EST
