The NFL’s crusade to crack down on taunting during games continues with the fine and suspension of Clyde Edwards for this year. Some argue that it is a double standard where players like Tom Brady get to talk about their opponents, but not actually physically do anything bad.
The “Chiefs score 2021” is a story about Clyde Edwards, who was taunted by the NFL for having a tattoo of a Native American headdress on his arm. The league has cracked down on this kind of behavior with the new rule that says players can be penalized if they taunt opponents in any way. Read more in detail here: chiefs score 2021.
I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but the NFL is quite hard about taunting these days. More players are been penalized for taunting this season than any before. According to The Ringer, the NFL has only had 19 taunting calls in the previous two seasons. There have been 27 such calls up to Week 9. SEVEN. TWENTY.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire of the Kansas City Chiefs was the most recent victim of the draconian NFL taunting rule. Edwards-Helaire gestured towards Cowboys defender Luke Gifford after their dramatic Week 11 victory against them. The officials clearly concluded Gifford had suffered substantial emotional distress, as he was given a taunting penalty and a fine of almost $10,000.
Because he pointed towards #Cowboys LB Luke Gifford, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was penalized for taunting.
I’m not sure how Gifford will bounce back. pic.twitter.com/80QCqNJg5b
November 21, 2021 — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate)
While this is clearly a taunting call, some of the taunting calls made in the NFL have been… dubious at best. The most severe penalty came on Monday Night Football, when Bears linebacker Cassius Marsh was penalized for taunting after doing this heinous deed.
Cassius Marsh demanded… mocking…. pic.twitter.com/OZ0jkCqWOp
November 9, 2021 — Justin (@hobokenjustin)
Yes, my buddy, you saw right. Marsh was arrested for taunting when he gazed into the air and accidently bumped into an officer. A taunting penalty is imposed by the NFL when the following conditions are present:
“The use of baiting or taunting actions or words to incite animosity amongst teams.”
That’s all right. The NFL isn’t the only place where taunting laws are enforced. The NBA, for example, has a severe taunting policy that they enforce. It’s why players like Dikembe Mutombo and Serge Ibaka have had to make crowd-pleasing finger wags. After staring down Jason Terry on this play, LeBron James was also charged for taunting.
The NFL’s execution of taunting, on the other hand, has been… awkward at best. There have been some valid justifications for mocking (the Clyde Edwards-Helaire taunting may be the most right decision this season), but there have also been a number of dubious taunting calls that have affected the game. Take, for example, Elijhaa Penny’s mocking call.
pic.twitter.com/FHVLsndbPU This was called for teasing
November 2, 2021 — PFF (@PFF)
Penny was obviously not making fun of any Kansas City players. He was only gesturing downfield after a first down, like most receivers do. Referees opted to give Penny a taunting penalty after he mistakenly pointed at an opposing player. However, the action was definitely not intended to tease a player…
According to the coaches, the reason for these guidelines is simple: they want to be a role model. Days after his linebacker Marsh was fined, Bears coach Matt Nagy had this to say about the taunting rules:
“People pay attention, and they want to see a little bit of respect and a little bit of doing things well.” It doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, but there are a lot of young kids watching games right now… I believe in respect and the fact that children are developing and watching us, and we have a great platform as leaders. Coaches and players Let’s figure out what the rules are, and then follow them.”
That’s understandable. You must set a positive example for the children who are watching. If you’re going to follow these guidelines, though… At the very least, do it correctly, guy. The way the NFL is now enforcing its taunting rule detracts from the enjoyment of watching the game and has a significant impact on games.
Hopefully, the NFL will begin to loosen off on the taunting restrictions. Because if this trend continues, they may never be able to shake the nickname “No Fun League.”
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