The NFL announced Tuesday that it plans to crackdown on taunting this upcoming season with a series of more “strictly” enforced penalties. Unsurprisingly, fans aren’t too happy to see the league step in and take away that particular aspect of the game.
The announcement from the NFL came on Tuesday afternoon as the league released its annual rule change and points of emphasis video. In the clip that discussed taunting penalties, the video revealed that two taunting penalties will result in an automatic ejection and that other actions, fines and suspensions will be on the table, depending on the severity of the taunt.
“The NFL Players Association, coaches and competition committee have all made a strong statement regarding respect among everyone on the field,” the video explained. ” We saw an increase in actions that clearly are not within the spirit and intent of this rule and not representative of the respect to opponents and others on the field.
“Game officials have been instructed to strictly enforce the taunting rules, and players and coaches are reminded that two taunting penalties committed by an individual player will result in automatic disqualification. In addition, the taunting player may be fined and/or suspended depending on the severity of the actions.”
Although the NFL’s decision to crackdown on taunting might be well-intentioned, fans were enraged at Tuesday’s announcement. Many even decided to reignite the league’s unflattering “No Fun League” nickname on social media.
Can’t believe we’re staring DAHN a potential No Fun League situation again..
DAMMIT DUDE pic.twitter.com/sj7RyTtRDI
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 10, 2021
No Fun League never stops 😐 pic.twitter.com/9r8CQ4HLeO
— 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝 🪵🚀 (@Vengeancewood) August 10, 2021
Taunting is part of the game. Asking these players to be calm, cool, and collected at all times is just not going to happen.
The “No Fun League” strikes again.
— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeegNFP) August 10, 2021
NFL will strictly enforce taunting rules this year. Which means we can say peace out to cool moments like Antoine Winfield Jr. taunting Tyreek Hill like this often. ✌️
No
Fun
League pic.twitter.com/h8qwKMqIsE— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) August 10, 2021
The no fun league. Over officious jerks….Marc Levy voice https://t.co/pKhYGTMZDn
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) August 10, 2021
Oh boy. Get ready to see a lot of flags this year. No Fun League. https://t.co/X8Oa9F8gmO
— Chris Hoffman (@NewsmanChris) August 10, 2021
Many fans feel that harmless taunting is a part of the sport and some even suggested that the NFL should embrace that aspect of the game. However, the league clearly feels that it’s taking a step in the right direction to eradicate taunting from football once and for all.
There’s no guarantee that the NFL’s new policy will lead to any tangible change this year and it very well could backfire. Either way, the league should be prepared to face the pushback that it will receive over these new taunting policies.
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