NFL’s ‘Golden Rule’ makes sense, should happen

The NFL has a lot of rules in regards to celebrating that make no sense and they earn the No Fun League title.  The outlawing of team celebrations is the most bizarre, backward rule ever since the idea is to celebrate as a team rather than individuals.  The ‘greatest show on turf’s’ celebrations that involved their offensive linemen were great.  The fun bunch was just that; fun.  The ‘Golden Rule’ that could be adopted in honor of Golden Tate’s unbelievably over-the-top, stupid, and even risky celebration makes sense and Tate made it unavoidable.

After catching a pass against the St. Louis Rams, an NFL power house that demands taunting, Golden Tate ran down the sideline waving and mimicking Rams players talking as he ran down the sideline for about 50 yards before getting into the end zone.  Tate’s celebration was so stupid that it almost caused him to run himself out of bounds so he could show up his opponent in what would have been poetic justice.  Had any member of the Rams defense laid Tate out in the end zone, it would have been impossible to blame them, which is where the risk comes in to this situation.

The NFL is considering a rule that would negate a touchdown in these circumstances, which is similar to a college rule that already exists.  This rule makes sense for the NFL, but it has to be cut and dry.  It needs to be an obvious situation like this one with Tate to draw the flag.  The important thing is the message that Tate sent from the 7-1 Seahawks to the now 3-5 Rams.  It will not be surprising when Tate gets annihilated at the first opportunity the next time he plays a game against the Rams or really anyone else.

There are a lot of celebration rules that need to die.  This is finally a rule that makes sense and hopefully eliminates this type of nonsense from the NFL.  Whether people are fans of the Seahawks or Tate himself, that particular play was indefensible.  Had he just ran the ball into the end zone and then done something, more power to him.  The end zone should afford him that opportunity.  In that framework, the potential for sending a message seems fair if not appropriate.  Do something.  Send a message.  Running down the field while looking like a jackass?  The NFL is better than that or at least they should be.