LSU Football: NCAA Unsportsmanlike Celebration Penalty Is a Joke

College football's new excessive celebration rule was just seen at work in all its ridiculousness.

LSU was facing a 4th-and-4, ahead 14-0, when they decided to fake the punt.

Punter Brad Wing promptly rumbled 44 yards for the score, only to have it called back due to enforcement of the new rule.

You see, it appears as if Wing's slightly raised arms qualify as a "spontaneous act of celebration."

According to this release by the NCAA, the new rule has been put into place to send a strong message to players who may wish to "taunt" or "use an obscene gesture" en route to the end zone.

SEC Supervisor of Football Officials Steve Shaw said the taunting penalty called on LSU in first half was justified.

“Based on what was seen on the television replays, the LSU player turned towards two Florida players and made a taunting gesture," Shaw said. "The rule as stated in the rule book was accurately applied.”

This rule is, to be frank, bull-crap, especially if they are going to leave it up to the interpretation of the referees in such a manner.

Could Wing's arm motion be interpreted as an obscene gesture or taunting?

It could be, but it was pretty obvious he never followed through, and restrained himself from completing the gesture.

The NCAA has got to be joking with this rule.

What is wrong with a little celebration?

I get the obscenity thing, and applaud them for that, but really, other than Marcus Vick, when is the last time a college ball player did such a thing, especially on his way into the end zone?

What's next, throwing the flag because a guy pumps his arm on the way in?

A 15-yard penalty for nodding your head?

As if that interpretation isn't bad enough, any player on the field can commit this infraction.

Therefore, if Wing's snapper had raised his arms, or jumped into the air prior to Wing crossing the goal line, a penalty would be assessed—from the spot!

Woe to the quarterback that raises his arm after a precise pass 50 yards downfield!

Shame on the running back who points to the crowd on his way over the goal line!

The NCAA can't figure out what to do with corrupt coaches, universities and teams corrupted by greed, but you better believe they are on top of the student-athlete who dares to enjoy himself en route to a score!

Not every guy on the field is the Barry Sanders type, handing the ball to the ref and moving on.

I can understand the theory, but really, it's not as if they are pulling out a cell phone or sharpie or something while running down the sidelines.

Call me anti-establishment, but if anything is excessive in this matter, it is the NCAA's persistence on preventing these guys from enjoying themselves.