The NFL plans to begin cracking down on excessive touchdown or big play celebrations this season, flagging players for taunting that could result in 15-yard penalties.
ProFootballTalk.com reports that touring referees have already began to warn players in team training camps that they’ll be penalized if they taunt opponents by spinning the ball.
While the website points out the spin the ball penalty is not a new rule and was actually established in 2012, the fact that officials are already warning teams and players about what is to be considered violations of it seems to suggest referees plan to much more aggressively enforce it this season.
Referees visited the camps of the Minnesota Vikings and the Carolina Panthers last week, the latter being the home of All Pro receiver Steve Smith, notorious for being one of the league’s biggest spin the ball, big-play celebrators.
According to reports, Smith says he plans to continue his celebrating ways but will now seek to do so within the rules and parameters that are being outlined. Reports are sack dances, home run swings, incredible hulk poses, pointing the ball, standing over an opponent and spiking the ball are also violations that could be under increased scrutiny this season.
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