NFL relaxes rules on celebrations – but no twerking allowed

‘No Fun League’ loosens up to give players
given more leeway to ‘express themselves’ after big plays

One-Minute Read

Following a sharp rise in so-called “demonstration” penalties
last season, with players fined for what was considered excessive
celebrations, the league has amended the rules governing what
players can and can’t do after a touchdown.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the changes would give
players “more freedom to be able to express themselves and
celebrate their athletic achievements”, reports USA Today.

But he added: “Offensive demonstrations, celebrations that
are prolonged and delay the game, and those directed at an
opponent, will still be penalised.”

However, “using the football as a prop”, “celebrating on
the ground” and “group demonstrations” will be allowed.

“Our days of ridiculing the NFL for its stodgy and uptight
response to harmless player celebrations are over,” says Kevin
Seifert of ESPN. “For the most part. Probably.”

Fans will be able to enjoy “elaborate multi-player
performances” after touchdowns and scorers will be allowed to make
“snow angels” by lying on their backs after scoring, for example,
he adds.

The rule on using the ball as a prop “was responsible for
so many of the most mystifying penalties” last season, including
one for tossing it over the posts, continues Seifert: “Now we can
go back to pretending the football is a baby and rocking
it.”

Although the NFL has loosened its “death grip” on celebrations,
players will not have carte blanche, says Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated. Twerking remains
banned – and that could be bad news for Antonio Brown of the
Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Victor Mather of the New York Times.

“[Brown] was penalized and fined in Week 1 for twerking
after a touchdown and again in Week 4 for thrusting his pelvis,” he
says.

Other misdemeanours he names include Josh Norman of the
Washington Redskins, who “drew a penalty and a fine for miming
shooting an arrow.

“The crackdown was such a hot topic that Andrew Hawkins of
the Cleveland Browns celebrated a touchdown by stiffly placing the
ball on the turf and robotically walking away in a nod to the tough
rules.”