To the NFL Rules Committee: GET A LIFE!!!

[theHandpuppet]

For Chrissake, there are some games where the end-zone celebrations are the only thing worth watching! Let's make sure we stamp out any individualism, creativity and plain ol' fun from football. This is the NFL Collective -- you WILL be assimilated!!

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060328/SPT02/603280367

Chad: Rules can't stop me
Committee recommends crackdown on TD celebrations

BY MARK CURNUTTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

ORLANDO, Fla. - The chairmen of the NFL's rules committee, otherwise known as the competition committee, said Monday the league will enforce rules that limit end-zone celebrations.

"We feel the individual celebration is on the verge of getting out of hand," Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher said in a briefing on changes the committee will propose to ownership during the annual meeting.

The point of emphasis, Fisher said, "Would prohibit going to the ground to celebrate; forbid using the ball as a prop or anything else. You can still spike, dunk (or) spin the football."

The penalty would be 15 yards on the ensuing kickoff.

A vote on the recommendations by the 32 owners is expected Wednesday....

MORE

[underpants]

1. No Fun League

Where would this nation be without Billy "White Shoes" Johnson. I ask you.

[dad]

2. Bring back the XFL

I also like how XFL didn't allow fair catches.

[northzax]

4. I think the fair catch rule is important

you can get your ass kicked seriously on some of those punt covers. I would allow it, but make it a five yard penalty. you keep the ball, but you walk back five yards. give some more incentive to catch and run.

[theHandpuppet]

3. Hey, Jeffie...

"We feel the individual celebration is on the verge of getting out of hand," Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher said...

Well if you don't like 'em, Jeff, you handle the problem in YOUR OWN locker room. I think you have bigger fish to fry, IMHO.

[Hobarticus]

5. Apparently Tennessee doesn't have enough end zone visits...

to celebrate at all, so he's understandably a little torqued.

[jakefrep]

6. Amen.

The NFL, like too many other sports entities lately, is hellbent on eliminating any trace of personality from the players. Heaven forbid somebody has FUN while playing a game. There is nothing so sacred or holy about any sporting event that it can't be interrupted by occasional bits of horseplay.

[nickgutierrez]

7. They'll just do it on the sidelines instead.

There are cameras there too, you know.

[MrSlayer]

8. So stupid.

The celebrations are part of the entertainment. These guys really have a serious stick up their asses. No Fun League for sure.

[smtpgirl]

9. I watch games for social contacts

Gibbs turned around the 'Skins, but Dan Snyder is still trying to buy the ever elusive Super Bowl

I am pissed that the 'Skins let Levar Arrington leave. I forsee another disappointing season for the 'Skins.

Ho Hum, basketball is my other love and I haven't been disappointed with that

Go Terps, Go Mason

[theHandpuppet]

10. Well, it's official now...

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060330/SPT02/603300373/1066

It's official: New rules to take effect
Owners vote to crack down on low hits to the quarterback, celebrations

BY MARK CURNUTTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

ORLANDO, Fla. - NFL owners voted Wednesday to adopt rules that protect quarterbacks from low hits, limit excessive end-zone celebrations, protect long-snappers, expand the horse-collar rule and speed up the game....

CELEBRATIONS

The league voted 29-3 to prohibit excessive or prolonged displays after a touchdown.

A player no longer may use an artificial prop, such as Chad Johnson's use of a pylon to putt the football, or employ the football as a prop. Johnson gave the ball CPR in Jacksonville last season.

Players also may not go to the ground to celebrate, such as the snow angel gesture made by Carolina's Steve Smith last year. Such displays will draw a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the ensuing kickoff.

MORE

[Longhorn]

11. NFL players actually suggested it.

"The genesis of the rule change adopted as the NFL meetings wrapped up came from the players' union itself. Last month at the NFL combine, a group of players told competition committee chairmen Rich McKay, general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, and Jeff Fisher, coach of the Tennessee Titans, they believed the celebrations were getting too elaborate.

"The players wanted defined limits of celebrations," Dungy said. "They really pushed for that."

The owners obliged, with Dallas, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay voting no."

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/football/nfl/san_francisco_49ers/14222413.htm

[theHandpuppet]

12. I don't get it...

But then I'm just a fan and really enjoyed the creative celebrations as long as they didn't venture into taunting. It just feels like the league (and some of the players, apparently) is determined to suck all of the fun right out of the game. And it is a GAME.