Report: NFL reaffirms commitment to penalizing taunts
The NFL delivered a memo to all 32 teams to reaffirm its commitment to flagging taunting fouls, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
The message went to general managers and head coaches and contains a link to a video that outlines acceptable and unacceptable behavior at the end of plays:
Avoid any actions where you approach an opponent or bench and gesture, posture, or otherwise demonstrate any verbal or physical form of disrespect. Turn away. Take the opportunity to celebrate with your teammates and don't put officials in the position of having to make a judgment about whether or not your actions rise to the level of a foul. Remove all doubt. And don't put yourself or your team at risk of a penalty.
There's been a significant rise in taunting penalties since the NFL directed officials to crack down on such infractions leading up to the 2021 campaign. These fouls have altered the momentum in several games this season and have drawn increased scrutiny in recent weeks, as many believe flags are being thrown for relatively conventional celebrations.
Perhaps the most controversial foul went against Chicago Bears linebacker Cassius Marsh, who was penalized for glaring at the Pittsburgh Steelers' sideline after sacking Ben Roethlisberger at a crucial point of the fourth quarter in Week 9.
Taunting fouls by Levi Wallace, Keenan Allen, Genard Avery and Mario Edwards are cited in the video as examples of what not to do.
- Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 18, 2021
T.J. Watt was cited twice as an example of appropriate celebration, as well as clips featuring Xavien Howard and Demario Davis, among others.
The NFL's competition committee supported the crackdown before the season. Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin and Washington's Ron Rivera are among the members who have publicly backed it despite outrage from players and fans.
Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints spoke less glowingly of the enforcement Thursday, telling the "Dan Patrick Show" that taunting is being "over-officiated."
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