Let's Talk about Celebrations: A Note from the SEC

After being at the Georgia-LSU game on Saturday night (did I mention the scenery in Athens?), I wrote an article on Sky Sports.com on how unsportsmanlike behavior penalties—or "celebration calls"—can ruin a game. Check it out!

The officials need to be told what to look out for. It can't be too hard.

Anyway, after the SEC hierarchy admitted that the LSU-UGA officials were wrong to throw a flag at AJ Greene, the VFA has managed to get themselves a letter from the SEC Commissioner to all SEC officials after the LSU-Georgia game.

Dear Y'all,

We were having a quiet Jack and Coke and watching the LSU and Georgia game and we noticed the three unsportsmanlike behavior penalties and wanted to do something about it.

Not that we're upset about the result—now we've got two unbeaten, top-five teams clashing in prime-time (screw those baseball playoffs! The SEC will be No.1!) this Saturday—but we wanted to tell y'all what to look for just in case you're fixin' to throw a flag.

1) He must jump into the stands.

If he misses, he doesn't get an unsportsmanlike behavior call. But you may get to laugh at the player. A lot. If the player's on the road, you won't be alone. Chad Johnson (you know, that pro wide receiver who plays out west in the Pac-10. Yes—the home of that team who our boys are afraid to play!) shows how it's done.


2) He must taunt the opponents

In case you hadn't noticed, there were 10,000 LSU fans dressed in purple and gold at the top of one of those stands. AJ Greene wasn't signalling at his home fans. If you're throwing a flag, make sure it's if the whole team jumps on the field. Like the Georgia boys did in the Cocktail Party a few years ago.


3) If he brings out something special

If he brings out some grits, he's probably just having a meal because he's starving. If he brings out a Sharpie, he's trying to be Terrell Owens.

But remember guys, don't just throw the flags for fun—they can ruin a game. And we don't need any scandal in a year where Lane and Urban and taking all the headlines by themselves.

Thanks,

The Commish

P.S. If y'all goin' to celebrate, then do it like this!