Sept. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) dunks the football over the goalpost in celebration after scoring an 8 yard touchdown during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL and their “fun” committee were at it again on Tuesday. Already taking away most touchdown celebrations in previous years, the NFL decided that it will no longer be allowed for players, and yes that includes the Arizona Cardinals, to celebrate touchdowns by dunking balls over the field goal post. Any player caught doing so will draw a penalty. This one has me scratching my head.
Exactly what was the harm in dunking the ball over the goal post? It wasn’t taunting. A lot of players did it. It was widely accepted by players. Maybe (Dallas Mavericks owner) Mark Cuban had a point the other day when he said the NFL will implode due to greed in 10 years. Now, while I may not necessarily agree with that assessment exactly, I see his point. The NFL is doing everything in their power to make the game less fun for players and fans alike.
So, what’s next? I guess you won’t be allowed to high five teammates. Why don’t we just eliminate any emotion at all after scoring. I mean, after all the players are just Roger Goodell’s paid puppets. To the extent the NFL would make this action a penalty tells me one thing. The NFL doesn’t care about it’s players. They don’t care about the fans. They only care about control and your money and lots of your money. Will we continue to watch? Of course we will. It is still the most popular sport in America and despite Cuban’s comments, it will still flourish more than 10 years and beyond from now. Now they’ll probably be playing flag football by then and protecting the quarterback to where you can’t even look at him funny without drawing a penalty but people will still watch.
Next thing you know the NFL will want to eliminate kickoffs and extra points. Oh…wait..nevermind, that’s already being discussed. Carry on my friends.