Going too extreme?

[Marc]

I think we all know about how the NFL has banned endzone dances and many other things on the field. My question is, are they overdoing it? I think endzone dances should be allowed, it's all apart of the game and it's enjoyable to watch. Fining players for celebrating is unnecessary, IMO.

[Nate]

I agree. I do not see anything wrong with endzone dances, and in fact, they are something that should be enjoyed. One rule that I really don't like is that you can't take your helmet off while on the field! They think it's mocking the other team, their excuse for banning endzone dances. What's up with that?

[Marc]

I don't know what's up with that... I remember Brett Favre would take his helmot off after scoring a TD for the Packers and run across the field in celebration... can't do that anymore.

[lmanchur.]

I don't think they're banned... I heard that pre-organized dances are banned... whatever... it's stupid... go to the other pro leagues in North America (the XFL, if you consider that pro, and the CFL), which ENCOURAGE end zone dances, as well as pre-organized routines... what's wrong with them!?... it lightens up the game!!!

[iFroggy]

Yes I agree with you guys. Its just stupid, I enjoy seeing guys celebrate, and I like preorganized dances. :)

Taunting however I don't like. When someone's celebration or dance is directed at one player on another team. Such as pointing at a player while dancing or whatever, or going up near that player to spike the ball, whatever, I don't like anything like that.

[DBR96]

I don't like end-zone dancing. Playing in professional sports involves exactly that: Being PROFESSIONAL and exhibiting SPORTSMANSHIP. End-zone dancing (or dancing anywhere on the field, for that matter) is neither professional or sportsmanlike to me, and those who do dance seem to believe that the job is not only to win the game, but also to make the loser look bad in the process. And I know; a person gets excited when they make a big play...but when I played football, I just clinched my fists, butted my head with my other teammates and screamed when I made a big play. If I could do it that way, how come no one else? To me, dancing, especially rehearsed dancing (don't deny that it goes on), is a way of showing off, a way of saying, "Look at me; I'm great!" But there is no 'I' in team, and the more attention we give to those who go into extravagant celebration, the less attention we give to the team as a whole --- and in time, the meaning of what it is to be a team is lost. They call them "professional sports" instead of "professional spectacles" for a reason. Dancing and excessive celebration fly in the face of what it means to be a team and what it means to be a sportsman.

[SC-Jared]

End-zone dances are part of the game, and a very entertaining part of the game in that. They should be embraced, as a way for the opposing team to get pissed, and for the scoring team to celebrate. ....that said, VIVA XFL!

[Titandude]

If they are part of the game, why does every level below the NFL also ban them?

I have no problem with an occasional dance or great show of enthusiasm, but I get sick of the guys that dance after every play they make. Hell I don't dance every time I do something good at work. It's their JOB to score TD's and make sacks...so basically they are getting all hyped up because they did what they were supposed to do anyway.

I don't think they should be banned though, because I think the truly classy players won't break into Soul Train every time they do something good....

[30X90]

immature,juvenile,unprofessional,disrespectful(remember 49ers vs. Dallas),poor reflection on the teammates, the owner, the city and the coaches.

Undisciplined players are the type that end up spitting on umpires,disputing refs calls and generally detracting from the game while they showboat.I guess it's just the way people are these days...cruder more obnoxious and self absorbed.Just look around.

Walter Payton,the greatest ever,NEVER danced,but now you have "nobody" players doing a boogaloo after every first down or every tackle..ridiculous...show some class and dignity.

[lmanchur.]

I agree with everyone for players not being able to dance and cheer and bloat after every single play, but after a touchdown, come on!... it's part of the game to celebrate.. hcokey players do it after goals.... some baseball players have "signature dances" (e.g.: Sosa, Griffey, etc.)... basketball players give high-fives and jump for joy after dunks... what's the difference in football after touchdowns!?

[iFroggy]

Well... what about when, my favorite player, O.J. McDuffie extends his arm after making a first down? You know how the refs put there arm out to say first down, he does that. I think that should be allowed. I mean he's not taunting anyone, he got the first down.

[Titandude]

Originally posted by SC-Lee
I agree with everyone for players not being able to dance and cheer and bloat after every single play, but after a touchdown, come on!... it's part of the game to celebrate.. hcokey players do it after goals.... some baseball players have "signature dances" (e.g.: Sosa, Griffey, etc.)... basketball players give high-fives and jump for joy after dunks... what's the difference in football after touchdowns!?

As I hear it, only organized, stage, prepared group dances like the Bob N Weave are banned, not individual dances. I don't have a problem with a player doing something after they score a touchdown, but even those can be done with class. Hockey players celebrate, but I've yet to see one break off into the funky chicken or anything like that. In fact they usually go to their teammates. And I've never seen Sosa do a "dance". I've seen him do a hop when he hits a homer, but I would hardly say that's the same as the Dirty Bird. And high fives and "jumping for joy" are not dances. But even still, those are individuals doing it...I've never seen a hockey team or a baseball team do a dance number after they've done something good like score. And I think that's what the NFL has cracked down on.