Wes Welker's end zone snow angel

[MJZiggy]

I have a great idea, why don't they ALL hand the ball to the ref like Barry Sanders removing all gray lines, bad sportsmanship and general bufoonery (term trademark Jim Brown).

Because some of the stuff they do is fun. It adds to our entertainment.

[oregonpackfan]

I think Wes Walker should sue the NFL for religious descrimination.

Toooooooooo funny.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=txpatriotswelkerfined&prov=st&type=lgns

Welker fined $10,000 for ‘snow angel’ celebration
Dec 24, 3:24 pm EST) —For imitating an angel, New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker had his wings clipped.

The NFL on Wednesday fined Welker $10,000 for making a “snow angel” during a touchdown celebration in Sunday’s 47-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Welker was punished for “unsportsmanlike conduct for participation in an illegal demonstration by going to the ground.”

According to league rules, players are prohibited from going to the ground for a TD celebration unless it is in prayer.
“It was a spur of the moment deal, and you can be sure that it won’t happen again,” Welker told the Boston Globe.

I was absolutely appalled when I read about the $10K fine! My goodness, it was just a spontaneous act of jubilation. It had no taunting, suggestive, or immoral actions. If I were a Patriots fan, I would take up a collection to pay Welker for the fine.

[channtheman]

I think Wes Walker should sue the NFL for religious descrimination.

Toooooooooo funny.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=txpatriotswelkerfined&prov=st&type=lgns

Welker fined $10,000 for ‘snow angel’ celebration
Dec 24, 3:24 pm EST) —For imitating an angel, New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker had his wings clipped.

The NFL on Wednesday fined Welker $10,000 for making a “snow angel” during a touchdown celebration in Sunday’s 47-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Welker was punished for “unsportsmanlike conduct for participation in an illegal demonstration by going to the ground.”

According to league rules, players are prohibited from going to the ground for a TD celebration unless it is in prayer.
“It was a spur of the moment deal, and you can be sure that it won’t happen again,” Welker told the Boston Globe.

Wow. I mean I know the NFL doesn't want celebrations and all but 10,000 for a snow angel? I won't be surprised when they start fining for the Lambeau leap.

[Badgerinmaine]

If I were editing a newspaper, my headline would be "NFL SAYS NO TO ANGELS ON CHRISTMAS EVE". Look at the date of the press release...

[Rastak]

I have a great idea, why don't they ALL hand the ball to the ref like Barry Sanders removing all gray lines, bad sportsmanship and general bufoonery (term trademark Jim Brown).

Because some of the stuff they do is fun. It adds to our entertainment.

Fun for whom? The person they are showing up or the fans who somehow need these goofy displays of poor sportsmanship? :P

[packinpatland]

So then......if you could, you'd vote no to the Lambeau Leap?

[Patler]

I agree with Ras 100%.
Scored a TD? Fine, act like you've done it before, not like it is a total shock to you!

[Rastak]

So then......if you could, you'd vote no to the Lambeau Leap?

What Patler said.

[packinpatland]

You guys really would turn it into the NoFunLeague

[Gunakor]

I have a great idea, why don't they ALL hand the ball to the ref like Barry Sanders removing all gray lines, bad sportsmanship and general bufoonery (term trademark Jim Brown).

Because some of the stuff they do is fun. It adds to our entertainment.

I could see some value there, but it's still not football. If these guys want to dance, they should do like Sapp, Rice, and Smith and just retire so they can go dance. I'm all about the Barry Sanders/Marvin Harrison approach to scoring TD's - just hand the ball to an official and run back to the sidelines. Then celebrate with your team, on the sidelines and away from the spotlight. Not by yourself in the endzone where all the cameras can see you acting like a damn fool.

People make the argument that the NFL stands for No Fun League... Let me ask you something about this however. If FOOTBALL isn't enough fun by itself, what the hell is anybody doing in this league in the first place? I personally get all of my entertainment value from watching a football game. I'd hope all of the players get theirs from playing in it. If you aren't having enough fun just playing football...

[Rastak]

To add to the above, I think it was Deacon Jones who said in his day they celebrated after winning the game, not before it was decided.

[Gunakor]

You guys really would turn it into the NoFunLeague

Again...

If FOOTBALL isn't enough fun without all the crazy celebrations in the endzone, then get out of the league. FOOTBALL is fun enough by itself.

Note I capitalize Football because Football is not dancing and carrying on and acting the dumbass. Football is scoring 6 points for your team and giving the ball back to an official. Football is realizing that no matter what you've accomplished individually, it means nothing when compared to the team. So go back to the sidelines and celebrate with your team after scoring, don't sit there in the spotlight and celebrate by yourself.

[GrnBay007]

Some of the off the wall stuff bothered me. Like when Moss did the fake moon. I would have felt that was disrespectful even if it hadn't been against the Packers that year.

Whatever happens, I just hope they never outlaw the Lambeau Leap. I love that!!

[bobblehead]

How about this. Its a penalty, no reading minds. Next thing you know we will be reading a QB's mind as far as if he is intentionally grounding or not.

bottom line is he broke the rule, the ref flagged him. Fair enough. Its up to the fans and coaches to determine whether it was ok.

Personally I didn't think it was a big deal, but it was a flag. Jumping into the stands or into a teammates arms is absolutely nothing like a solo celebration designed to increase face time. I have no problem with the leap or high fives or celebrating. when you start to premeditate a celebration to distinguish you from your teammates and get facetime I have more of an issue.

And yes, I know the leap is "premeditated" but its involving the fans in the celebration and isn't designed by a guy going for "me" time. The NFL drew a line. Excessive celebration or use of props...pretty simple. Stay within the rules or draw a flag.