It looks like Tony Gonzalez got out of the NFL at the right time. Jimmy Graham and fellow NFL athletes that like to emulate their favorite NBA stars? Take warning as the NFL has banned players from dunking over the goal post, this according to Scott Bair (and a handful of other sources).
"New rule just passed: Dunking ball over the goal post is now illegal. Using ball as a prop at all is a penalty. Ugh. That’s too far."
While there’s no official reasoning as to why the ‘celebration’ has been banned, it’s believed that delays from altering the goal post are behind the decision.
In addition, simply using the ball as a prop in any ‘celebration’ will now be grounds for a fifteen-yard penalty.
Some fans will enjoy the new rules – especially those of the old school variety – but a lot of fans also enjoy the showmanship, which the NFL is seemingly attempting to get rid of.
Be prepared for a lot of excess flags after end zone celebrations next season, folks.