NFL players of the world, drink up!
Celebrations can include miming drinking a beverage without fear that the league will impose discipline on the player pretending to drink the official beer of the NFL.
In a joint statement released by the league and the NFL Players Association, it was explained that celebrations that include “imitating a drink” will not be considered a violation.
Here is the full text of the statement:
“Football is the greatest game in the world. NFL players are admired by millions of fans, including young people who compete at all levels of the sport.
“The passion, emotion and personality that players bring to the field are a big part of what makes the game special and connects them with fans around the world. Good sportsmanship is just as important:
“To clarify the line between player expression and conduct that may result in disciplinary action, players were reminded this week that the following are prohibited and may result in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, a fine, or both:
“Gestures depicting violence, including the use of firearms or other weapons, or gang-related signs.
“Gestures that represent smoking or drug use.
“Gestures of a sexual nature.
“Conversely, recent celebrations imitating the consumption of a beverage will not be considered violations or result in discipline. The league-wide guidelines provide players with greater clarity on how they can celebrate while still following the rules.
“When conduct falls into a gray area, the league will contact the player and provide direction before imposing discipline. The player will be informed that continued use of the identified celebration may result in future fines.
“Individual and team celebrations are part of the game and help players connect with fans. Providing clear, consistent guidance allows players to express themselves while upholding the principles of sportsmanship that have long characterized NFL football.”
Beyond eliminating Church Lady-type sensitivities toward a drinking-based celebration, the league has taken a new approach to celebrations that doesn’t clearly violate the rules. In lieu of a fine, the league will contact the player. If the NFL decides that the celebration will not be allowed, the player will be fined only if he subsequently continues to do so.
It’s the right result, although it makes the sudden wave of celebratory fines after the second week even more abrupt, unexpected and downright bizarre.
Gn sports
