Unsportsmanlike Conduct Rule: Why It's Taking the Fun Out of the NFL

When Ronnie Brown crossed the end zone against the Chargers last week, many people in the stands were dancing right along with him. The only difference is the fans won't be getting a fine, while Ronnie and his teammates were fined for “choreographed” dancing. I can only imagine the night before the game, Ronnie yelling at his teammates, “Left right jiggle and dip, not left right dip and jiggle.”

I understand that the NFL wants its players to conduct in a positive sportsmanlike manner and there are certain situations where this rule is correctly enforced.

Last season, we saw Reggie Bush taunting a defender on his way to the end-zone.

Then there was Terrell Owen's antics against Dallas a few seasons ago as a 49ers.

Those were rightfully penalized and should be used as an example of actions that puts a negative image on the league.

However it has gone beyond those situations up to the point where it can be labeled it my opinion as lunacy.

Here are a some of the things the NFL looks as an unsportsmanlike conduct.

Only one person can do a “Lambeau leap” and anything more than that results in a penalty or fine.

Posing after a touchdown with your teammates also results in a flag.

And now dancing apparently will cause a sour taste in your opponents mouth and will label you as a poor sport by your peers.

Now these are not all of the acts that will cause you to give up yards and cash but certainly some that takes away the entertainment value of the game.

I can still remember watching Merton Hanks doing the funky chicken after an INT.

Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin high stepping their way to the end zone.

Antonio Freeman and company rushing for a group leap in Green Bay.

Look, all I'm saying is that if you are playing for a team that had a 7-25 record in two years and suddenly you are beating teams like the Pats and the Chargers, then I think you should be allowed to do the Lambada.

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