The NFL’s crackdown on taunting and celebrations has sparked brand new backlash after Matthew Golden was penalized on Sunday night football
Whether the NFL wants players to express themselves with a little personality remains up in the air, but challenging the system often comes at a hefty price.
NFL touchdown dances, sideline theatrics, and celebrations have become part of football’s entertainment machine. They continued Sunday night, along with the punishments, when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys.
They generate viral clips, give broadcasters material to add color to a broadcast, and make some of the league’s most memorable plays even more memorable.
NFL referee humiliated after announcing wrong call as Cowboys stars prematurely celebrate
NFL referees slammed after ‘soft’ taunting call on Packers receiver vs Cowboys
1 of 10Flexing and finingThe NFL seems to continue its stance on harsh penalties for some violations of its policy on excessive celebrations and taunting. Yet the line between harmless fun and punishable conduct remains unclear, something that itself was very clear during the Week 6 “Sunday Night Football” showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys.That tension has kept the familiar “No Fun League” nickname, as the league’s top stars keep finding loopholes while expressing themselves.Still, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden drew a 15-yard taunting penalty after flexing toward Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr after a huge 37-yard reception, leaving head coach Matt LaFleur furious despite scoring on the drive, and fans online questioning how a simple display of strength could draw such a penalty.Yet Golden was hardly the first to suffer a similar fate this season, with many even being fined for their actions, though some were able to have those penalties reversed. (Image:NBC)
2 of 10″No fun” continuesPackers safety Javon Bullard was flagged for taunting during Green Bay’s Week 2 meeting with the Jets after a quick pass break-up reaction that added another 15-yard punishment as NFL fans continue to critique the league’s policies
3 of 10A concerning trendDallas Cowboys WR and kick return specialist KaVontae Turpin received an $11,941 fine for taunting during his team’s 24-20 Week 4 win over Houston for yet another example of the NFL punishing player conduct late
4 of 10An unproveable loopholeCowboys tight end Jake Ferguson was fined $13,611 for pretending to drink from a football after scoring against Washington, but successfully argued he was celebrating with imaginary Gatorade during his appeal process
