Something to Celebrate
3 comments so far
October 5, 2009 by
One of the games that got the most attention nationally this past weekend was LSU versus Georgia. What was particularly notable was that there were celebration penalties at critical times in the game, and it may have cost Georgia the win. Likewise, an ill-advised flip by an Arkansas State player into the endzone set up an Iowa field goal that ended up being the difference in that game.
While the ship has sailed on sportsmanlike conduct in many ways on the football field what's so striking is the degree to which players either "forget" the celebration rule, or simply disregard it. It seems less important that their team be in the best position to win and more important that they call attention to themselves after making a big play.
What's more disturbing is that the threshold for "big play" seems to be getting smaller and smaller. I roll my eyes when a player needs to point to the sky after a routine first down catch in the first quarter. But that may be one of the bigger plays that gets celebrated. I was watching the OU-Miami game, where sportsmanship took a backseat to showmanship.
After a kickoff while the game was still very much in doubt, the returner was tackled at the 25 yard-line. That sent the player who made the tackle into full-on celebration mode. Since when is that a cause for celebration by the kicking team? Sure, if you kick a touchback or stop the team behind the 20, you're happy about that. But the 25? I'm not sure the receiving team shouldn't be the ones celebrating.
It's not the end of the world that this obnoxious over-celebrating has become commonplace. But it seems a crime when players celebrate to the point that they draw a flag and hurt their team.
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DJ Oct 05 09
The flag on A.J. Green was ridiculous. I think the refs can be very picky and choosy, just ask the Baltimore Ravens. It'll happen Thursday too.
Finally, I get to see a Huskers game this season. Seen just about every team in Big XII play. I see why Colorado schedule those non-Saturday games. LOL
caveman99 Oct 05 09
Steve,
I am with on this one, nothing irks me more than a receiver doing the first down signal after a catch. I just don't get it, that is what he was supposed to do. You never saw Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, or Marvin Harrison do this, those are players that the overzealous players couldn't dream of holding a jock strap for. The increasing numbers of prima donas disturbs me, especially the NFL which is part of why I love CFB that much more.
I have to agree with DJ though on the call against UGA that played a large part in that game. If teams can't celebrate after a score, then when are they supposed to? The team was excited and just scored a go ahead TD and they can't celebrate? They weren't showboating or dancing or anything, just celebrating as a team after a score. I don't get that one at all, but it was called frequently in the SEC this past weekend.
James Moore Oct 05 09
Two years in a row where a rather Draconian interpretation of the rules cost a team a game (See Jake Locker last year and Mr. Green this past Saturday). Let kids be kids, and let them enjoy the game. If they don't do anything terribly offensive, showboat, or un-sportsmanlike let it go. That type of a call shouldn't decide a game or be a mitigating factor either. Geez, 11 people carrying out 11 assignments resulting in 7 points is plenty to be happy about, especially when it seems like a potential game winner. . .