In the latest move to take all the fun and individuality out of football, the NFL has decreed that players will no longer be allowed to dunk the football over the goal posts after a touchdown. They’ve previously banned spiking the ball and celebration dances.
The NFL Head of Officials Dean Blandino told the Dan Patrick Show Tuesday that it would be a penalty next season, reports the Bleacher Report. The move to ban this celebration may have practical backing since sometimes it can bend the goalposts, leading to the game being delayed as they are straightened.
However, when coupled with all the increasing restrictions, it comes across as trivial and unnecessary. The reaction on Twitter was predictably not favorable, and it’s likely there will be further fan negativity. Especially from Jimmy Graham.
“@thomasmorstead: “@ProFootballTalk: League considers banning the goal post dunk http://t.co/eMo98lHUHc” #TheJimmyGrahamRule” NOOOO!
— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) March 22, 2014