Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera says the NFL is just looking out for the children with its new emphasis on taunting penalties.
Cue The Simpsons meme.
Rivera, who is a member of the NFL’s Competition Committee, addressed the league’s desire to crack down on taunting penalties with reporters on Wednesday.
“Quite honestly, we don’t need the young people to see that,” he said, via ProFootballTalk. “We don’t need the Pop Warner, peewee football kids seeing us act like that. We want to put it out there as professionally as possible.”
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Rivera’s answer about setting example for the young fans and children was part of a longer answer addressing the point of emphasis.
He also explained that the rule is not to prohibit celebrations, but rather prevent things from escalating when a player celebrates, or taunts, in the face or direction of the opponent.
“If you make a great play, great. Be excited, but don’t do it towards your opponent,” Rivera said. “That’s all we’re asking. That’s what the rule is for. Cause what we don’t want is an escalation of some things that have happened in the past. I think last year, two teams got into it where wide receivers and DB’s were going at each other. A year ago, we have one where two teams are going at each other. I mean, you dn’t want to see that situation. That’s not a good look for any sport, let alone football and somebody’s going to get hurt and you just don’t want that.
“….That’s what the emphasis, that’s why everybody’s just got to relax, calm down. Let us go through this process of trying to make sure the players understand that, hey guys, you can celebrate and can have a good time, but don’t taunt your opponent because we don’t want the retaliation in this league.”
The point of emphasis on taunting has been met with much criticism from fans, referring to the NFL as the No Fun League when the announcement was made.
Giants co-owner John Mara, another member of the Competition Committee, defended the decision on Tuesday but a taunting call over the weekend during the Panthers-Colts game left fans uneasy over how it may be applied and affect the game.
Rivera hopes that by enforcing the rule in the preseason, players will understand what is acceptable and what is not.
“If it happens, especially during the preseason, it’s a great time to do it,” Rivera said. “Just so the players understand what the referees are going to be looking for. They don’t want you taunting your opponent.”
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