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No Fun League: NFL’s crackdown on taunting penalties is already aggravating
By Paul Harvey
Published:
The NFL is apparently intent on eliminating that one aspect of every game that fans have grown tired of: unnecessary taunting.
Unfortunately, the NFL’s implementation of cracking down on taunting has had predictable results. Instead of cracking down on taunting or celebrations that might cross some sort of line, the crackdown appears to be punishing guys for showing any sort of emotion on the field – ever.
The latest recipient of a penalty for taunting is Benny LeMay of the Indianapolis Colts. It came after a run on 2nd-and-2 that ended with LeMay pushing through multiple defenders and churning his legs through contact for a big but hard-earned gain.
His crime? A shout at the defenders he plowed through and a quick flex of the arms.
Seriously:
Taunting is a huge emphasis by the referees this season. Benny LeMay with great effort. However, he was flagged for taunting after the pay.
#Panthers 15 @ #Colts 10#NFL pic.twitter.com/II3ejx9NzT
— Allen Lively (@AllenLivelyLOF) August 15, 2021
It’s good to see the NFL finally getting serious about cracking down on anyone having fun during their time on the field. Remember: the NFL is serious business.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.