Let's get real people

I am watching the LSU Georgia game right now. It has been a great game. So far there have been three fourth quarter comebacks. With 1:03 left in the game AJ Green made a great catch to put the Bulldogs up. He climbed over the DB, who had perfect coverage, and came down with the ball. He got up and ran straight to his teammates passing up an opportunity for some well deserved trash talk. He made no gestures to any LSU players or fans. Still, the referees felt it necessary to throw a flag for excessive celebration. I have to say that I could not care less about the outcome of the game. I am a fan of neither team. This was the worst penalty I have ever seen. The worst part about it is that it set up LSU to score on their next possession due to the fact that UGA had to kick-off from their 15 yard line.

On the third play of the drive LSU broke a long run and scored a go ahead touchdown. After running back Charles Scott crossed the goal line he dropped the ball and pointed toward the sky. This also brought a flag for excessive celebration. Georgia could not pull out the same magic that LSU was able to, but nevertheless LSU owes a big thank you to the referees.

I think the powers at be in both the NCAA and the NFL need to get real on their views on celebration. Let people have fun doing what they are doing. Football is a game after all, and games are supposed to be fun. Obvious taunting is one thing, but most of what gets penalized is just fun. You are supposed to be happy when you score. Most people don't score that many touchdowns, so it is natural to celebrate them. I think it can be obvious when a player is trying to taunt the other team or simply express their joy for scoring. I am tired of league administrators being so involved with what is happening on the field. If everyone is safe then officials should let them do what they want. It is especially unfortunate that these bad decisions had huge impact on the game.