NFL taunt rule is here to stay amid criticism

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The NFL has been trying to improve its image for some time. This year, the league celebrated and welcomed the LGBTQ community by changing its logo during Pride Month. Additionally, they also allowed players to wear any number they want, a rule change that only allowed players to wear a certain number based on their position on the pitch, a rule change that Tom Brady strongly criticized.

In particular, the most important change or application of the rules is actually that of taunts. A habit prohibited by the league and sanctioned during the match with the loss of yards. This particular rule has been around for a while but has never really been properly enforced, or at least that’s what the league wants to rectify this season.

A total of 11 taunting penalties have been issued this season in the first two weeks alone. This equates to all the taunt penalties called last season.

Severe criticism of penalties for taunts

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has criticized the league for applying this rule the way it does. For him, that “opened a bit of a box of worms”. because it requires players to adapt their behaviors as their emotions increase during the game.

“You have a lot of guys who have to deal with these explosive moments, and they really have to take their attention away from the opponent. It’s a good idea. It’s just hard to deal with.” The coach told reporters on Monday.

During their weekend game against the Tennessee Titans, the Seahawks were penalized after cornerback DJ Reed managed to stop a pass and swell his arms while watching wide receiver AJ Brown. A normal celebration in recent years, but unfortunately for the Hawks, in this 2021 NFL it’s a mockery. The game could have lost the Seattle team in overtime to the Titans.

“Come on, man,” solid safety Jamal Adams said after the game. “You take the passion and emotions out of football. At the end of the day, that’s the rule. We have to play smarter.”

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