Should Rams' Stedman Bailey be fined for his 'nap' celebration?

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http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-s...is-a-good-excuse-to-take-a-nap-004421180.html


Look, we get it: playing football is tiring work. But perhaps the field of play is not the best place for a nap, am I right?

Stedman Bailey of the St. Louis Rams had just scored on a pass from Nick Foles to help the Rams to a victory over the Arizona Cardinals, and decided to offer up his own celebration: a quiet, respectful nap. Technically, it should have drawn a flag, since you're not allowed to use the ball as a prop or go to the ground in celebrations—an asinine rule that has no real purpose other than to quash fun.

Fox Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira believes it will cost Bailey $8,681 for his little nap, and if the NFL does levy that fine, Rams fans should start a Kickstarter to pay the fine:


View: https://twitter.com/MikePereira/status/650831438359609345

There's a reason they "play" this "game"...it's supposed to have at least a tiny measure of fun. Don't fine Bailey, NFL. Let the man catch some shuteye in peace.

 

[OldSchool]

The two famous meanings for nfl.
No fun league and not for long. He'll get a fine and gladly pay it and we'll cheer him on all the more for it.

 

[PhxRam]

Guys like Mike Pereira making a big deal out of a non-call penalty are the reason why the NFL will be forced to fine Bailey.

 

[OC--LeftCoast]

He was off the field of play, I'm not sure a fine can be levied...can it?

 

[ChrisW]

The two famous meanings for nfl.
No fun league and not for long. He'll get a fine and gladly pay it and we'll cheer him on all the more for it.

I miss the Terrell Owens TD celebrations. I don't even need to mention how awesome the bob-n-weave was. They need to let these come back.

 

[Zaphod]

He absolutely broke the rules with that act and honestly should get the fine. At first I thought he was just laying there clutching the ball stunned, and I was disappointed when they showed the replay, but too glad for the touchdown to care.

We're 2-2, not GSOT, and while I understand the need for a good celebration, I just don't think those antics have any place, especially when you're playing a division rival in a close game.

 

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This author will completely change his tune when he sees a player celebrate after scoring, while his team is down 4 touchdowns in the 4th. That's the problem with this whole "should the NFL allow celebrations" discussion. In a perfect world, all celebrations would be cool, come at the right time, and not disrespect anyone. But that's not the reality. You see a shit ton of stupid celebrations at stupid times that disrespect people often.

Unfortunately, the NFL is doing the right thing. I don't wanna see players break dancing on the 35 yard line after making a tackle.

In order for me to be happy with the NFL, they should outlaw all celebrations by teams other than the Rams.
Just let us do it.

 

[Rmfnlt]

He absolutely broke the rules with that act and honestly should get the fine. At first I thought he was just laying there clutching the ball stunned, and I was disappointed when they showed the replay, but too glad for the touchdown to care.

We're 2-2, not GSOT, and while I understand the need for a good celebration, I just don't think those antics have any place, especially when you're playing a division rival in a close game.

Not a popular stance, but I agree 100% with you.

Had that been an Arizona player, we'd be up in arms over here (and rightfully so, IMO).

 

[bwdenverram]

Over calling things for player safety is one thing, but flagging and fining players for 4 seconds of celebration has become idiotic.
The NFL needs to loosen up it's skirt a little and settle down.

 

[bwdenverram]

He absolutely broke the rules with that act and honestly should get the fine. At first I thought he was just laying there clutching the ball stunned, and I was disappointed when they showed the replay, but too glad for the touchdown to care.

We're 2-2, not GSOT, and while I understand the need for a good celebration, I just don't think those antics have any place, especially when you're playing a division rival in a close game.

Not to argue you with your opinion because we are all entitled to them.
But let me ask you this; When Quinn or Long gets a sack and does a little shake or dance, should that be a penalty?

 

[Rmfnlt]

Not to argue you with your opinion because we are all entitled to them.
But let me ask you this; When Quinn or Long gets a sack and does a little shake or dance, should that be a penalty?

According to the article, a player cannot use the football as a prop.

He did... it was against the rules and the Rams got lucky (for a change).

You may not like these rules that limit celebrations... but they are there and need to be followed.

Or pay the price (lost yards and potentially lost games).

Just follow the rules.

 

[RamWoodie]

Well...he did put the crowd to sleep....

 

[Akrasian]

Yup. Him celebrating the td would be fine. Using the ball as a prop is a line the NFL has to prevent things going TOO overboard. He should be fined, at least a token amount. It's not the end of the world, but while that was innocuous, if it's not fined then the next one won't be so innocuous, and the NFL will be constrained from doing anything about it. The NFL has found in the past year that they have to consistently enforce the rules, or the courts overturn everything.

 

[bwdenverram]

According to the article, a player cannot use the football as a prop.

He did... it was against the rules and the Rams got lucky (for a change).

You may not like these rules that limit celebrations... but they are there and need to be followed.

Or pay the price (lost yards and potentially lost games).

Just follow the rules.

No offense, but the question wasn't addressed to you or about the rule specifically.
That said, you believe in the rule, I don't that's fine.
But the point of the question was Zaphod said he didn't believe there was a place for celebration and it was a division opponent.
Why is a sack dance any different? It's a celebration and quite frankly probably more exuberant than what Bailey did.
Just seems like a backwards rule.

Sorry, he didn't say celebration he said antics.

 

[JoeBo21]

 

[LetsGoRams]

I thought it was great. I love how these guys come up with creative ways to celebrate TD's... and hate that the NFL is taking them away.

 

[Username]

What an insightful tweet Pereira! Thank you and KFC for shining light on that. You're doing the lords work.

 

[12intheBox]

I think the NFL has it all wrong.

They allow so much pushing and shoving after the whistle - it looks like a full blown fight is going to break out after every play. Unless you throw a punch though, thats all fine.

You can celebrate in the end zone - you can even mock the other team when you do it - but for heaven's sake don't get your teammates involved in the celebration. We don't want kids to get the wrong message.

Thrust your pelvis? No, sir. Thats a big fine. Now quick, cut to the next Cialis commercial.

 

[Zaphod]

Not to argue you with your opinion because we are all entitled to them.
But let me ask you this; When Quinn or Long gets a sack and does a little shake or dance, should that be a penalty?

Both are definitely annoying, but my least favorite sack celebration is the grind move.

 

[Zaphod]

I think the NFL has it all wrong.

They allow so much pushing and shoving after the whistle - it looks like a full blown fight is going to break out after every play. Unless you throw a punch though, thats all fine.

You can celebrate in the end zone - you can even mock the other team when you do it - but for heaven's sake don't get your teammates involved in the celebration. We don't want kids to get the wrong message.

Thrust your pelvis? No, sir. Thats a big fine. Now quick, cut to the next Cialis commercial.

Put in that light, it's hard to argue But while kids may not know what Cialis is, they understand the thrusting motion, which is even stranger in the faux homo-erotic context.