So That's The Third* Fourth** Penalty I've Seen Due To Shooting Gun First Down Celebrations (1 Viewer)

[Mitchie]

I have never openly spoken of this here but a couple years ago I made the choice to not use the language of war when discussing football. It's wasn't difficult, language is beautiful that way.

I try not to either. Good on you. I've always been uncomfortable when people seem to be confusing sport with matters of life and death, which to me, is a bit more sacrosanct than sport is.

In a similar vein I chose to stop using the terms "own" when discussing FF teams. And now it is almost common to use "manage", "shares" etc. And I notice I was far from the only one to make that choice.

I've been playing fantasy for over a decade and never used the term "own" because of its problematic implications. I have always been a GM. I'm sure you can catch me using the word "own" at times, but it's almost always, "I roster so-and-so," and I'm a "GM." Always have been.

But—and you knew this was coming—there is an imperfect analogy at work here. When we penalize and fine, we're regulating behavior now, not simply practicing a freely chosen option on our own. And we're telling people who give a ton for our entertainment, including their bodies and minds, that we're going to tell them how to behave when they achieve the goals we want them to achieve. We're now the arbiters of appropriateness or on the side of the arbiters. I'm a bit uncomfortable with that. It's like being the owner of a company and telling labor what to eat and where to go on their lunch hour. It might be done with noble intentions, but it can be officious, intrusive, and overweening.

I think if we're going to be honest, this is the last hill I'd die on, but it is the internet and die I must in an argument, so let me dissent.

I hear you brother. I GM my shares of Amazon and Google. Wouldn't want any employees to think I actually own them.

well the distinction here is shares (which you do in fact own) vs. people.

I do own the rights to Daniel Jones's fantasy stats output for the 2024 season in league xyz and I'm free to trade my ownership interest in some leagues and even sell it in others for imaginary FABB dollars where I can buy the rights to someone else's fantasy stats output.

Stats are not people.

 

[BassNBrew]

I have never openly spoken of this here but a couple years ago I made the choice to not use the language of war when discussing football. It's wasn't difficult, language is beautiful that way.

I try not to either. Good on you. I've always been uncomfortable when people seem to be confusing sport with matters of life and death, which to me, is a bit more sacrosanct than sport is.

In a similar vein I chose to stop using the terms "own" when discussing FF teams. And now it is almost common to use "manage", "shares" etc. And I notice I was far from the only one to make that choice.

I've been playing fantasy for over a decade and never used the term "own" because of its problematic implications. I have always been a GM. I'm sure you can catch me using the word "own" at times, but it's almost always, "I roster so-and-so," and I'm a "GM." Always have been.

But—and you knew this was coming—there is an imperfect analogy at work here. When we penalize and fine, we're regulating behavior now, not simply practicing a freely chosen option on our own. And we're telling people who give a ton for our entertainment, including their bodies and minds, that we're going to tell them how to behave when they achieve the goals we want them to achieve. We're now the arbiters of appropriateness or on the side of the arbiters. I'm a bit uncomfortable with that. It's like being the owner of a company and telling labor what to eat and where to go on their lunch hour. It might be done with noble intentions, but it can be officious, intrusive, and overweening.

I think if we're going to be honest, this is the last hill I'd die on, but it is the internet and die I must in an argument, so let me dissent.

I hear you brother. I GM my shares of Amazon and Google. Wouldn't want any employees to think I actually own them.

well the distinction here is shares (which you do in fact own) vs. people.

That you don't really own. At all. I always found the terminology very odd. I'll say "I'm invested in X" or "I have shares of X," although that was a while ago I did that. I usually just say "I roster X." Nobody gets confused. It's not clunky. And you don't sound like you're delusional in your magic football world with male unicorns and tea parties in your bedroom, you know?

I "own" CeeDee Lamb. No, you don't. You don't own him in the least. Jerry Jones doesn't "own" him, either. It sounds so self-important and weird to even be thinking that way in language. It's like your weird uncle that enjoys Stratego on a Saturday night, only it's every Saturday night that he plays instead of the grooming he so desperately needs.

It's cool however you want to define you're participation. In DFS and even the FBG contest ownership percentages are often discussed. When the conversation turns to draft in go the language becomes "shares". I always found that a bit cringe worthy at my tea -parties with unicorns.

 

[BassNBrew]

I have never openly spoken of this here but a couple years ago I made the choice to not use the language of war when discussing football. It's wasn't difficult, language is beautiful that way.

I try not to either. Good on you. I've always been uncomfortable when people seem to be confusing sport with matters of life and death, which to me, is a bit more sacrosanct than sport is.

In a similar vein I chose to stop using the terms "own" when discussing FF teams. And now it is almost common to use "manage", "shares" etc. And I notice I was far from the only one to make that choice.

I've been playing fantasy for over a decade and never used the term "own" because of its problematic implications. I have always been a GM. I'm sure you can catch me using the word "own" at times, but it's almost always, "I roster so-and-so," and I'm a "GM." Always have been.

But—and you knew this was coming—there is an imperfect analogy at work here. When we penalize and fine, we're regulating behavior now, not simply practicing a freely chosen option on our own. And we're telling people who give a ton for our entertainment, including their bodies and minds, that we're going to tell them how to behave when they achieve the goals we want them to achieve. We're now the arbiters of appropriateness or on the side of the arbiters. I'm a bit uncomfortable with that. It's like being the owner of a company and telling labor what to eat and where to go on their lunch hour. It might be done with noble intentions, but it can be officious, intrusive, and overweening.

I think if we're going to be honest, this is the last hill I'd die on, but it is the internet and die I must in an argument, so let me dissent.

I hear you brother. I GM my shares of Amazon and Google. Wouldn't want any employees to think I actually own them.

well the distinction here is shares (which you do in fact own) vs. people.

I do own the rights to Daniel Jones's fantasy stats output for the 2024 season in league xyz and I'm free to trade my ownership interest in some leagues and even sell it in others for imaginary FABB dollars where I can buy the rights to someone else's fantasy stats output.

Stats are not people.

Exactly.

 

[BassNBrew]

I really think we need more defenses running the length of the field to celebrate a turnover

It's so weird and awkward that it's kinda of funny. Especially the slow guys who get left behind.

While true, it is not as if such a thing is a new problem, and not the sort of thing that the NFL front office suddenly decides "yep, let's start throwing flags for this" when they could have done so any time this century if they actually cared about it - unless there is a reason to instigate it

Somebody important got bunched underwear. I mean, I get why they'd frown upon it, but this sort of stuff is a little ridiculous.

IDK

I 100% understand where you're coming from and I own multiple guns and have my eye on a few more but, wouldn't it be kinda cool to live in a world where doing "shooting" celebrations were viewed as "a little ridiculous"?

I love Carlin's Football vs Baseball routine, as I imagine most of us do (those who don't haven't watched it yet) but after watching it a billion times I decided that I don't like using the language of war when referring to a game. A violent game but, still a game.

I have never openly spoken of this here but a couple years ago I made the choice to not use the language of war when discussing football. It's wasn't difficult, language is beautiful that way.

In a similar vein I chose to stop using the terms "own" when discussing FF teams. And now it is almost common to use "manage", "shares" etc. And I notice I was far from the only one to make that choice.

I think pivoting from that kind of language is a natural progression because there are always easy alternatives with language. And there are certainly as many options, if not more, when it comes to football celebrations.

Thanks for sharing that Carlin skit. It's good to look back on some old school comedy. Miss that guy.

 

[zamboni]

I have never openly spoken of this here but a couple years ago I made the choice to not use the language of war when discussing football. It's wasn't difficult, language is beautiful that way.

I try not to either. Good on you. I've always been uncomfortable when people seem to be confusing sport with matters of life and death, which to me, is a bit more sacrosanct than sport is.

In a similar vein I chose to stop using the terms "own" when discussing FF teams. And now it is almost common to use "manage", "shares" etc. And I notice I was far from the only one to make that choice.

I've been playing fantasy for over a decade and never used the term "own" because of its problematic implications. I have always been a GM. I'm sure you can catch me using the word "own" at times, but it's almost always, "I roster so-and-so," and I'm a "GM." Always have been.

But—and you knew this was coming—there is an imperfect analogy at work here. When we penalize and fine, we're regulating behavior now, not simply practicing a freely chosen option on our own. And we're telling people who give a ton for our entertainment, including their bodies and minds, that we're going to tell them how to behave when they achieve the goals we want them to achieve. We're now the arbiters of appropriateness or on the side of the arbiters. I'm a bit uncomfortable with that. It's like being the owner of a company and telling labor what to eat and where to go on their lunch hour. It might be done with noble intentions, but it can be officious, intrusive, and overweening.

I think if we're going to be honest, this is the last hill I'd die on, but it is the internet and die I must in an argument, so let me dissent.

I hear you brother. I GM my shares of Amazon and Google. Wouldn't want any employees to think I actually own them.

well the distinction here is shares (which you do in fact own) vs. people.

I do own the rights to Daniel Jones's fantasy stats output for the 2024 season in league xyz and I'm free to trade my ownership interest in some leagues and even sell it in others for imaginary FABB dollars where I can buy the rights to someone else's fantasy stats output.

Stats are not people.

Not so sure - there are plenty of stats I’d like to get off my lawn.

 

[dgreen]

I have never openly spoken of this here but a couple years ago I made the choice to not use the language of war when discussing football. It's wasn't difficult, language is beautiful that way.

I try not to either. Good on you. I've always been uncomfortable when people seem to be confusing sport with matters of life and death, which to me, is a bit more sacrosanct than sport is.

In a similar vein I chose to stop using the terms "own" when discussing FF teams. And now it is almost common to use "manage", "shares" etc. And I notice I was far from the only one to make that choice.

I've been playing fantasy for over a decade and never used the term "own" because of its problematic implications. I have always been a GM. I'm sure you can catch me using the word "own" at times, but it's almost always, "I roster so-and-so," and I'm a "GM." Always have been.

But—and you knew this was coming—there is an imperfect analogy at work here. When we penalize and fine, we're regulating behavior now, not simply practicing a freely chosen option on our own. And we're telling people who give a ton for our entertainment, including their bodies and minds, that we're going to tell them how to behave when they achieve the goals we want them to achieve. We're now the arbiters of appropriateness or on the side of the arbiters. I'm a bit uncomfortable with that. It's like being the owner of a company and telling labor what to eat and where to go on their lunch hour. It might be done with noble intentions, but it can be officious, intrusive, and overweening.

I think if we're going to be honest, this is the last hill I'd die on, but it is the internet and die I must in an argument, so let me dissent.

Hmm, interesting opening and closing to your post.

 

[pecorino]

The league is so dumb.

If you're gonna do that, then just eliminate every demonstration. I'm sick of them anyway on every 5-yard play.

This times a thousand. Preach. The whole thing is so ridiculous and unsportsmanlike. Two memories come to mind. One is Mark Gastineau. Dude, what is your problem?

Second, wife and I went to a Ravens game many years ago (in our black and gold, big mistake, but that’s another story) and the massive scoreboard blared and riled up the crowd after every single first down. Really? We need to bring out the animations and chants after a first down? It’s ridiculous.

 

[rockaction]

Hmm, interesting opening and closing to your post.

I'm being dead serious in the opening, but my tongue is planted firmly in my cheek for the closing. It's an attempt at ironic humor.

 

[Snoopy]

Three more players fined this week for "violent gestures".

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

I was considering making a thread about this but I'm glad there already was one. I guess my take is that if the players know/knew not to do it then it's dumb that they did it and got flagged/fined for it. I understand why it's a thing but it's not like the players are condoning or encouraging gun violence and they are just expressing themselves for making a good play so I think its a bit silly that this is a penalty.

I really think we need more defenses running the length of the field to celebrate a turnover

I mean, that's dumb too. Maybe it was kinda neat for a year but it got old fast.

 

[-jb-]

NFL - Everyone, please rise while we have a stealth bomber, technological mass killing machine, fly overhead to commemorate the game.

Player - fingerguns

NFL - THINK OF THE CHILDREN!

 

[Chaka]

NFL - Everyone, please rise while we have a stealth bomber, technological mass killing machine, fly overhead to commemorate the game.

Player - fingerguns

NFL - THINK OF THE CHILDREN!

Maybe the next time a stealth bomber shoots up an American school we can have a conversation about it.

Until then let's not let the perfect interfere with the good.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Gameday Accountability - brought to you by NFL Operations

TOTAL PLAYS - RESULTING IN FINES - % OF ALL PLAYS

12,464 - 140 - 1.12%

 

[BobbyLayne]

Last year ARSB was fined $43K for blocking a DB on a screen pass

He appealed and lost

Still on his rookie deal, he was making $55K per week before taxes

Summary: did his job, was fined $10K more than a weeks take home pay

 

[BobbyLayne]

Lions emptied the clip on the Cowboys.

Then reloaded, and emptied it again.

Big franchise fine coming.

 

[Godsbrother]

The league is so dumb.

If you're gonna do that, then just eliminate every demonstration. I'm sick of them anyway on every 5-yard play.

This times a thousand. Preach. The whole thing is so ridiculous and unsportsmanlike. Two memories come to mind. One is Mark Gastineau. Dude, what is your problem?

Second, wife and I went to a Ravens game many years ago (in our black and gold, big mistake, but that’s another story) and the massive scoreboard blared and riled up the crowd after every single first down. Really? We need to bring out the animations and chants after a first down? It’s ridiculous.

The stadium announcer in Denver routinely says “and that’s another incomplete pass”. I found it quite humorous they make a deal out of nothing.

Getting back on subject, if players were notified to not make shooting gestures ahead of time and still do it they should be penalized for stupidity.

 

[Max Power]

Is pointing first down with two fingers considered the violent gesture? I saw a couple Bears do it in London this weekend, but it wasn't flagged.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

The league is so dumb.

If you're gonna do that, then just eliminate every demonstration. I'm sick of them anyway on every 5-yard play.

I'm onboard for this. Penalty is determined by stupidity/excessiveness of the celebration, not the content.

If you're covering Justin Jefferson 1 on 1 on 4th and 5 in a tie game with 37 seconds left and you break up the pass, grab those nuts or slit that throat or shoot those guns. Whatever you want, you've earned it.

If you run for 3 yards to pick up a 1st down on 2nd and 2 with 7 minutes left in the 1st quarter and you get up and flex like you just won the super bowl, 5 yard penalty.

If you are covering a WR and he burns you by 7 yards but the QB overthrows the ball and it falls incomplete and then you do the "incomplete" gesture in the WRs face like you didn't just get completely toasted, 15 yard penalty.

On of course, this right here would result in a 50 yard penalty, automatic ejection, and 6 game ban.

 

[Dizzy]

So, more weirdness with this on Sunday in the NOS @ TBB game... key drive late, McMillan catches a long pass to set TBB up at 10-yd line but his "point towards the end zone signaling FIRST DOWN" gesture is viewed as too gun-like because his index & middle fingers are touching instead of separated (which he tried unsuccessfully to argue). Moments later he catches a spectacular "shove yo no-gun-looking celebration rule up your... " TD and the stadium erupts... with CANNON FIRE.

 

[fatness]

People are still upset by this? Some fines handed out to highly-skilled people who can afford to pay them?

I'm more upset about officials holding up play when both teams are lined up, with some official wandering around near the line of scrimmage until he/she allows the game to proceed. Get out of the way, officials.

 

[Grahamburn]

The Bucs LITERALLY FIRED A CANNON when McMillan caught that ball and got into the red zone.

 

[rockaction]

We will not have this gang weirdness . . . but cannons?! Dear sir, a justly fired cannon is the foundation of a good society and a harbinger of publick decency exhibited by the populace.

CANNON!

 

[Mitchie]

The Bucs LITERALLY FIRED A CANNON when McMillan caught that ball and got into the red zone.

I get why people say this but really one doesn't have much to do with the other. Kids emulate athletes, they don't want the players mimicking shooting a gun for that reason. Noone's wheeling cannons around the neighborhood.

 

[Rubi]

So, more weirdness with this on Sunday in the NOS @ TBB game... key drive late, McMillan catches a long pass to set TBB up at 10-yd line but his "point towards the end zone signaling FIRST DOWN" gesture is viewed as too gun-like because his index & middle fingers are touching instead of separated (which he tried unsuccessfully to argue). Moments later he catches a spectacular "shove yo no-gun-looking celebration rule up your... " TD and the stadium erupts... with CANNON FIRE.

So if he pretended to fire a cannon instead of pretending to fire a gun no penalty?
Let's ask our rules expert Gene Steratore. Gene?

 

[rockaction]

Noone's wheeling cannons around the neighborhood.

Oh, I beg of you to visit Lexington and Concord, my good man. There you will see the awesome power of a live cannon, fired at midnight one day a year to commemorate Paul Revere’s ride through the towns aforementioned. The wheeling of the cannons has become a sacred event in Massachusetts.

Eta* I was kidding about this. Just FYI.

 

[Grahamburn]

So, more weirdness with this on Sunday in the NOS @ TBB game... key drive late, McMillan catches a long pass to set TBB up at 10-yd line but his "point towards the end zone signaling FIRST DOWN" gesture is viewed as too gun-like because his index & middle fingers are touching instead of separated (which he tried unsuccessfully to argue). Moments later he catches a spectacular "shove yo no-gun-looking celebration rule up your... " TD and the stadium erupts... with CANNON FIRE.

So if he pretended to fire a cannon instead of pretending to fire a gun no penalty?
Let's ask our rules expert Gene Steratore. Gene?

Start doing a “light the wick” celebration.

 

[Grahamburn]

The Bucs LITERALLY FIRED A CANNON when McMillan caught that ball and got into the red zone.

I get why people say this but really one doesn't have much to do with the other. Kids emulate athletes, they don't want the players mimicking shooting a gun for that reason. Noone's wheeling cannons around the neighborhood.

The irony of it just made me chuckle.

I’d fine guys. Sure. But, impacting the outcome of games?

If Baker doesn’t make the throw of his life and the Bucs don’t score there they may not win. Lose the division. Miss the playoffs.

Because a guy pointed his fingers? A celebration he has done on every big first down catch he’s had all year?

Maybe they warned him prior and he ignored it or forgot in the moment?

 

[Monkian]

Perhaps the McMillan TD should've been nullified by a 15-yd penalty for Baker throwing out of the shotgun formation.

 

[pinkstapler]

Maybe they should just paint the tips of their fingers orange; that way everyone knows its just a toy finger gun they are using and not the real thing.

 

[Max Power]

Its silliness from the league. They have some interesting priorities. I'm less concerned with my kids seeing a "gun" celebration then taking them to an NFL stadium and observing the behavior that is deemed acceptable within an NFL stadium.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

I'm less concerned with my kids seeing a "gun" celebration then taking them to an NFL stadium and observing the behavior that is deemed acceptable within an NFL stadium.

This

 

[rockaction]

Its silliness from the league. They have some interesting priorities. I'm less concerned with my kids seeing a "gun" celebration then taking them to an NFL stadium and observing the behavior that is deemed acceptable within an NFL stadium.

What kind of behavior are you thinking of? There are the occasional fisticuffs and the New York Jets fans used to chant “show us your ****” at females, but other than that I can’t think of anything too egregious at your average football game. In fact, given the eating and drinking that goes on I’m surprised we don’t hear more horror stories.

 

[zamboni]

Its silliness from the league. They have some interesting priorities. I'm less concerned with my kids seeing a "gun" celebration then taking them to an NFL stadium and observing the behavior that is deemed acceptable within an NFL stadium.

I assume you're talking about the beer and hot dog prices.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

The Bucs LITERALLY FIRED A CANNON when McMillan caught that ball and got into the red zone.

I get why people say this but really one doesn't have much to do with the other. Kids emulate athletes, they don't want the players mimicking shooting a gun for that reason. Noone's wheeling cannons around the neighborhood.

So what? Why should I be bothered if kids start doing the "finger gun" thing? That was incredibly common when I was a kid, too.

And why should I, a grown adult, be treated like an impressionable child by the NFL?

 

[Dizzy]

The Bucs LITERALLY FIRED A CANNON when McMillan caught that ball and got into the red zone.

I get why people say this but really one doesn't have much to do with the other. Kids emulate athletes, they don't want the players mimicking shooting a gun for that reason. Noone's wheeling cannons around the neighborhood.

Interesting comment. So, every player in the NFL feels compelled to jump up and signal FIRST DOWN before the referee's signal... first down. And apparently it is critical that this slo-motion, two arms swinging forward, one cocked, one extended, mini-celebration of a glorious FIRST DOWN has some hard rules that must be followed:
1) Index and middle fingers cannot be touching one another (separated is OK... apparently)
2) If the index and middle fingers are touching, then the thumb must be in a relaxed position (gun "uncocked" and able to be handled by children).
3) If the thumbs are in an erect, cocked position, the fingers must be separated.
4) Hands cannot be manipulated to be seen as firing another lethal weapon (i.e. bow & arrow).

That's a lot to focus on in the heat of the moment. Maybe best to get rid of all celebratory gestures outside of a carefully choreographed full team celebration from a 90s movie that can only be executed following formal notification from Mission Control in NYC that a TD has been successfully scored.

Maybe we could have an approved list of non-lethal weapons that could be simulated fired from the existing FIRST DOWN gesture... perhaps the simulated firing of a rubber band (albeit - still quite dangerous) or throwing of a net?

Maybe we just need to focus on more wholesome celebrations... after clearly executing that glorious FIRST DOWN, a player could simulate making love to his wife or breaking up an illegal abortion. I can just see the tears of parents everywhere streaming down their faces as they watch their child simulating making love to, and seeding the football after executing a FIRST DOWN. Then we could fire the cannons as the young player yells at the football, "Now leave me alone. And make me a sandwich on your way out."

 

[Gjallarhorn]

While true, it is not as if such a thing is a new problem, and not the sort of thing that the NFL front office suddenly decides "yep, let's start throwing flags for this" when they could have done so any time this century if they actually cared about it - unless there is a reason to instigate it

Somebody important got bunched underwear. I mean, I get why they'd frown upon it, but this sort of stuff is a little ridiculous.

It's really dumb but within 2-3 weeks the players will have figured it out and 2-3 weeks after that everyone will totally forget that it even happened. Just like when they banned props in celebrations which was actually a much bigger deal because some of those were hilarious.

Joe Horn

Blow your Joe Horn during these High Holy Days.

I mean, break out your cellular
I said that I was kidding
She said yeah the hell you were

I remember after he scored his first touchdown, which was in the opposite endzone of where said cellphone was planted, he went looking for the phone, couldn't find it, so he simulated intercourse on the goalpost.

 

[rockaction]

I remember after he scored his first touchdown, which was in the opposite endzone of where said cellphone was planted, he went looking for the phone, couldn't find it, so he simulated intercourse on the goalpost.

Joe Horny?

 

[Gjallarhorn]

Can't remember where I saw it, but over the weekend someone got a penalty for lifting their jersey like they were showing someone they had a gun.

 

[fatness]

It's like my dad said before he died: "It's just not football without the throat slash."

 

[Max Power]

Its silliness from the league. They have some interesting priorities. I'm less concerned with my kids seeing a "gun" celebration then taking them to an NFL stadium and observing the behavior that is deemed acceptable within an NFL stadium.

What kind of behavior are you thinking of? There are the occasional fisticuffs and the New York Jets fans used to chant “show us your ****” at females, but other than that I can’t think of anything too egregious at your average football game. In fact, given the eating and drinking that goes on I’m surprised we don’t hear more horror stories.

The last Panthers game I was at (5 years ago?) there was a decent amount of crude language yelled by multiple fans and we got to see someone vomiting in the stadium concourse. It's not my favorite way to spend $500 with the family.

 

[rockaction]

Its silliness from the league. They have some interesting priorities. I'm less concerned with my kids seeing a "gun" celebration then taking them to an NFL stadium and observing the behavior that is deemed acceptable within an NFL stadium.

What kind of behavior are you thinking of? There are the occasional fisticuffs and the New York Jets fans used to chant “show us your ****” at females, but other than that I can’t think of anything too egregious at your average football game. In fact, given the eating and drinking that goes on I’m surprised we don’t hear more horror stories.

The last Panthers game I was at (5 years ago?) there was a decent amount of crude language yelled by multiple fans and we got to see someone vomiting in the stadium concourse. It's not my favorite way to spend $500 with the family.

Yeah. That’s understandable. I went to the casino the other day to have dinner and witnessed two women fighting in the parking lot screeching about money. It ruins the tranquility and decency of it all, although football is a roughneck sport despite its collegiate beginnings and casinos aren’t places to expect anything but lost money and fighting over it. But I get what you’re saying. Hardly bang for a high-priced buck with the kiddos in tow.

 

[zamboni]

Can't remember where I saw it, but over the weekend someone got a penalty for lifting their jersey like they were showing someone they had a gun.

That should be acceptable for players named Janie.

ETA: you go, Jeff

 

[rockaction]

Can't remember where I saw it, but over the weekend someone got a penalty for lifting their jersey like they were showing someone they had a gun.

Xavier Worthy on XMas against the Stillers.

 

[eighsse2]

Guns are great. Period.

Criminals suck.

 

[BassNBrew]

I suspect your more likely to drown in a NFL sponsored pool than die from McMillan celebration.

Want to swim in EverBank Stadium's pools at a Jaguars game? Here's what you should know

Want to swim in the pools at a Jags game? Here's what you need to know about the \

www.jacksonville.com

 

[higgins]

:confetti?:

 

[Dizzy]

Bring back the throat-slash gesture.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I have never openly spoken of this here but a couple years ago I made the choice to not use the language of war when discussing football. It's wasn't difficult, language is beautiful that way.

I try not to either. Good on you. I've always been uncomfortable when people seem to be confusing sport with matters of life and death, which to me, is a bit more sacrosanct than sport is.

In a similar vein I chose to stop using the terms "own" when discussing FF teams. And now it is almost common to use "manage", "shares" etc. And I notice I was far from the only one to make that choice.

I've been playing fantasy for over a decade and never used the term "own" because of its problematic implications. I have always been a GM. I'm sure you can catch me using the word "own" at times, but it's almost always, "I roster so-and-so," and I'm a "GM." Always have been.

But—and you knew this was coming—there is an imperfect analogy at work here. When we penalize and fine, we're regulating behavior now, not simply practicing a freely chosen option on our own. And we're telling people who give a ton for our entertainment, including their bodies and minds, that we're going to tell them how to behave when they achieve the goals we want them to achieve. We're now the arbiters of appropriateness or on the side of the arbiters. I'm a bit uncomfortable with that. It's like being the owner of a company and telling labor what to eat and where to go on their lunch hour. It might be done with noble intentions, but it can be officious, intrusive, and overweening.

I think if we're going to be honest, this is the last hill I'd die on, but it is the internet and die I must in an argument, so let me dissent.

Hmm, interesting opening and closing to your post.

People die on hills outside of military context.

Rock climbers, old people, bear attack victims.


ETA: the “bear attack victim” would be an epic celebration after a 1st down or sack.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

The Bucs LITERALLY FIRED A CANNON when McMillan caught that ball and got into the red zone.

I get why people say this but really one doesn't have much to do with the other. Kids emulate athletes, they don't want the players mimicking shooting a gun for that reason. Noone's wheeling cannons around the neighborhood.

Interesting comment. So, every player in the NFL feels compelled to jump up and signal FIRST DOWN before the referee's signal... first down. And apparently it is critical that this slo-motion, two arms swinging forward, one cocked, one extended, mini-celebration of a glorious FIRST DOWN has some hard rules that must be followed:
1) Index and middle fingers cannot be touching one another (separated is OK... apparently)
2) If the index and middle fingers are touching, then the thumb must be in a relaxed position (gun "uncocked" and able to be handled by children).
3) If the thumbs are in an erect, cocked position, the fingers must be separated.
4) Hands cannot be manipulated to be seen as firing another lethal weapon (i.e. bow & arrow).

That's a lot to focus on in the heat of the moment. Maybe best to get rid of all celebratory gestures outside of a carefully choreographed full team celebration from a 90s movie that can only be executed following formal notification from Mission Control in NYC that a TD has been successfully scored.

Maybe we could have an approved list of non-lethal weapons that could be simulated fired from the existing FIRST DOWN gesture... perhaps the simulated firing of a rubber band (albeit - still quite dangerous) or throwing of a net?

Maybe we just need to focus on more wholesome celebrations... after clearly executing that glorious FIRST DOWN, a player could simulate making love to his wife or breaking up an illegal abortion. I can just see the tears of parents everywhere streaming down their faces as they watch their child simulating making love to, and seeding the football after executing a FIRST DOWN. Then we could fire the cannons as the young player yells at the football, "Now leave me alone. And make me a sandwich on your way out."

I think the players should evolve to a rock & sling celebration - make it a David & Goliath type deal. Who could get mad at a biblical parable?

 

[Dizzy]

The Bucs LITERALLY FIRED A CANNON when McMillan caught that ball and got into the red zone.

I get why people say this but really one doesn't have much to do with the other. Kids emulate athletes, they don't want the players mimicking shooting a gun for that reason. Noone's wheeling cannons around the neighborhood.

Interesting comment. So, every player in the NFL feels compelled to jump up and signal FIRST DOWN before the referee's signal... first down. And apparently it is critical that this slo-motion, two arms swinging forward, one cocked, one extended, mini-celebration of a glorious FIRST DOWN has some hard rules that must be followed:
1) Index and middle fingers cannot be touching one another (separated is OK... apparently)
2) If the index and middle fingers are touching, then the thumb must be in a relaxed position (gun "uncocked" and able to be handled by children).
3) If the thumbs are in an erect, cocked position, the fingers must be separated.
4) Hands cannot be manipulated to be seen as firing another lethal weapon (i.e. bow & arrow).

That's a lot to focus on in the heat of the moment. Maybe best to get rid of all celebratory gestures outside of a carefully choreographed full team celebration from a 90s movie that can only be executed following formal notification from Mission Control in NYC that a TD has been successfully scored.

Maybe we could have an approved list of non-lethal weapons that could be simulated fired from the existing FIRST DOWN gesture... perhaps the simulated firing of a rubber band (albeit - still quite dangerous) or throwing of a net?

Maybe we just need to focus on more wholesome celebrations... after clearly executing that glorious FIRST DOWN, a player could simulate making love to his wife or breaking up an illegal abortion. I can just see the tears of parents everywhere streaming down their faces as they watch their child simulating making love to, and seeding the football after executing a FIRST DOWN. Then we could fire the cannons as the young player yells at the football, "Now leave me alone. And make me a sandwich on your way out."

I think the players should evolve to a rock & sling celebration - make it a David & Goliath type deal. Who could get mad at a biblical parable?

There should be an approved list of celebrations and allowable list of in-game events that are worthy of celebrating. That way things are clear for all, and we can avoid those awkward moments where Justion Jefferson's gritty glare accidently targets his opponent... dis'ing him in the process. Only the President of the United States is allowed to be openly childish, mean, and disrespectful of others. Everybody knows that.