The NFL can’t be called the “No Fun League” anymore. On Tuesday, commissioner Roger Goodell announced in a letter to fans that the league is relaxing rules that
restricted and penalized touchdown celebrations.
“We know that you [the fans] love the spontaneous displays of emotion that come after a spectacular touchdown,” Goodell wrote. “And players have told us they want more freedom to be able to express themselves and celebrate their athletic achievements.”
In his letter, Goodell explained that three kinds of celebrations will be allowed:
1. Using the football as a prop.
2. Celebrating on the ground (e.g., snow angels).
3. Group demonstrations.
Goodell said that the NFL spoke to more than 80 current and former players about relaxing the celebration rules. But certain celebrations, including “twerking,” still will be penalized.
“In my conversations with NFL players, it was also clear how much our players care about sportsmanship, clean competition and setting good examples for young athletes,” Goodell wrote. “That is why
offensive demonstrations, celebrations that are prolonged and delay the game and those directed at an opponent still will be penalized.”
Shorter OT
Owners of the NFL’s 32 teams passed a rule change that will shorten overtime by five minutes.
Gathered in Chicago for meetings, the owners approved a proposal that reduces overtime from 15 minutes to 10 in the preseason and regular season.
The NFL’s competition committee proposed the rule change at the annual league meeting in March in Phoenix. Those in
favor of the change viewed it as a player-safety measure.
The overtime rule change will take place immediately for the 2017 season. Postseason games are not affected.
This and that
The owners passed a proposal that will allow each team to activate two players from injured reserve. The previous limit was one.
† The owners voted to eliminate the mandatory roster cutdown from 90 players to 75, which happened in the preseason. Rosters now will decrease once — from 90 players to 53.
† Super Bowl LV in 2021 was moved from Los Angeles to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. Los Angeles will host Super Bowl LVI in 2022.
† Construction of the new stadium for the Rams and Chargers in Inglewood, California, has been delayed by record rainfall.
Follow me on Twitter @adamjahns.
Email: ajahns@suntimes.com
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