Although several interesting things happened in the world of sports since the middle of December, one specific incident sticks out in my mind. I could not help but laugh when I found out that New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker was fined $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct.
What was it Welker did that was so inappropriate? He made a snow angel after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. Now that is just ridiculous. With a fine that high you would think he threw a punch and tried to intentionally hurt someone.
The National Football League has seen all sorts of different celebrations on the field. There was, in fact, once a time when players scored touchdowns and handed the ball directly to the referee. Maybe a few high-fives were exchanged among teammates, but that was about as far as celebrating went. But in recent years sports fans have seen players use props like markers to autograph the football or hidden cell phones to make celebratory calls. And let's not forget about the dancing'¦ While watching the big boys"" try to bust a move may not appear natural, T.O. borrowed a cheerleader's pom-poms that definitely looked better in his hands than the football he was originally holding. So where is the line supposed to be drawn?
In 2006, NFL owners voted 29-3 in favor of giving officials power to penalize a team 15 yards on the subsequent kickoff for excessive celebrations anywhere on the field. Simple celebrations such as spikes, spins and dances would be allowed. Celebrations that exceed these limits could draw a penalty, fines or even suspensions. The Lambeau Leap performed by members of the Green Bay Packers was one major exception made to the rule.
Additionally, unsportsmanlike conduct will also be called for any offensive, prolonged, excessive or premeditated celebration. Using props - including using the football itself as a prop - and players who do not stay on their feet may result in a flag. In other words, as soon as the player falls to the ground to celebrate, he may be penalized.
This is where Welker's snow angel comes in. Yes, taunting and excessive celebrations on the football field may not be looked upon favorably. However, Welker's creation of a snow angel wasn't offensive by any means. It was an innocent celebration that did not delay the game, even though he did not ""stay on his feet.""
The Lambeau Leap is more of an excessive celebration than making a simple snow angel, yet the leap is considered legit. Packers fans have enjoyed the Lambeau Leap ever since safety LeRoy Butler returned a fumble for a touchdown during the 1993 season and started the tradition. I am not arguing against the Lambeau Leap - because I think it is a great way to get the fans involved - but it isn't right for the NFL to fine a man $10,000 for making a snow angel after scoring a touchdown.
Football leagues at all levels are built around teams and not individuals, but that does not mean the players should be penalized for innocently celebrating their accomplishments on the field either.
At the college level, one controversial team celebration worth examining occurred in 2007 when Georgia head coach Mark Richt ordered his entire team onto the field after scoring their first touchdown against Florida. This celebration prolonged the game and was way over the top, but it definitely got the Bulldogs' adrenaline rushing.
Although flags were thrown like confetti and Georgia lost 15 yards on the following kickoff, the Dawgs held on to the momentum throughout the game and upset Tim Tebow and the Gators.
Football is a sport built on emotions, momentum and adrenaline. Several exterior motivators can influence the game, whether it is a stadium filled with fans or something your coach said in the locker room at halftime.
Celebrations carry this same type of fuel that drives players to continue having fun on the football field. It is their chance for self-expression and keeps many fans intrigued.
If a celebration is not offensive and it does not prolong the game, then let them dance! Monitoring college football celebrations is understandable, but professionals are entertainers. Why take out the harmless fun?
Do you hope the Badgers will break out in a full-team river dance in the end zone next season? Share that with Crystal at crowns@wisc.edu.
