To put the NFL’s new taunting rule in perspective, imagine this:
It’s Feb. 13, 2022, and the Cleveland Browns are just one first down away from their first Lombardi Trophy ever. The game just passed the two-minute warning, and it’s 3rd and 2 at the Los Angeles Rams’ 48.
Nick Chubb gets the carry, and despite penetration by Aaron Donald, he moves the pile three yards through sheer will to clinch Super Bowl LVI. Chubb, of course, is thrilled. As he gets up, he lets out a scream and a flex in the general direction of Jalen Ramsey.
That natural reaction to an incredible moment, according to the NFL’s new points of emphasis, is a no-no. And in theory, Chubb could be subject to a season-wrecking 15-yard penalty.
NFL taunting rule put into place for 2021
“The NFL Players Association, coaches and competition committee have all made a strong statement regarding respect among everyone on the field,” NFL competition committee chairman Rich McKay said in an informational video distributed to teams recently. “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.”
This weekend, we saw the first real-world application of this policy.
And it bordered on farce.
Taunting is a huge emphasis by the referees this season. Benny LeMay with great effort. However, he was flagged for taunting after the pay.
#Panthers 15 @ #Colts 10#NFL pic.twitter.com/II3ejx9NzT
— Allen Lively (@AllenLivelyLOF) August 15, 2021
As you see, Colts running back Benny LeMay had a spectacular run against the Carolina Panthers, the kind that thrills coaches and electrifies a sideline.
And his reaction — a flex and a bit of trash-talking in the direction of Panthers linebacker Josh Bynes — was justified and part of what makes football so much fun.
And yet, refs threw the flag, deeming his celebration was taunting.
How strict will the refs be on the new taunting rule?
Perhaps it was taunting, based on the letter of the law. But laws and rules aren’t always enforced. Cops write warnings instead of tickets. Prosecutors are open to plea deals. Parents don’t always put their kids in timeout.
Common sense and the fair enforcement of rules should trump technicalities.
Not surprisingly, the condemnation of the flag on social media was swift and universal.
“So we can’t show emotion?” Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett asked incredulously.
“So lame for that,” wrote Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan. “No Fun League back in action! That energy what amps the game up!!! If it’s flagrant fine, but that wasn’t even disrespectful.”
Added former Chiefs guard Geoff Schwartz: “LOL at this being flagged for taunting. Totally soft. My man just took an entire mass of humans 10 yards and is fired up. What a joke.”
We could find dozens of more comments, but you get the point. Players understand the application of the rule was wrong. The public understands the application of the rule was wrong. And the NFL assuredly does too.
The refs will not stop throwing taunting flags over the next few weeks
Why?
The league sees them as much as a deterrent as a punishment.
Each year the league comes up with points of emphasis to clean up the game. Holding, illegal contact, and lowering the head have all had their turn. Consequently, each summer, people make a stink over the impact of ticky-tack penalties on games.
Then what happens?
Players get the message and modify their behavior — and officials stop throwing the flags in non-egregious situations.
Expect the same to happen with taunting. Clear-cut poor sportsmanship should and will be punished. But a flex and a scream of joy by Nick Chubb in the biggest moment of his career should and will not.
Adam Beasley is the NFL Insider for Pro Football Network. You can read all of Adam’s work here and give him a follow on Twitter @AdamHBeasley.