The NFL announced last week that it would strictly enforce taunting penalties and that was certainly the case on Sunday during the Colts-Panthers preseason game.
Colts running back Benny LeMay was flagged for a 15-yard taunting penalty after picking up a first down on a second-and-2 in the third quarter.
LeMay picked up the first and then some by refusing to go down and dragging the Panthers defense with him for what was ultimately a 14-yard gain.
The 23-year-old was understandably fired up after such an impressive run, he turned back toward the Panthers and flexed while celebrating the run.
Apparently, that was a big no-no as the ref came in with the flag.
It is likely LeMay was flagged because he directed the celebration toward the opposing team. Still, many fans were flabbergasted by the call and voiced their discontent on social media.
LeMay’s celebration was hardly anything out of the ordinary, but if players showing emotion like that could lead to taunting, it is likely not a good sign of what it to come this season and could potentially become a focal point of controversy, especially if it happens during a significant point of a game.
Here’s what some were saying on social media:
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