Commentary: Don't pick on Terrell Owens
By: Jay Hite
The Orion
Terrell Owens is back in the spotlight, and I am not surprised, mainly because the NFL likes to pick on him for his antics and excessive celebrations.
The Dallas Cowboys' receiver was fined $7,500 by the league for his satirical celebration following a touchdown he scored in the Cowboys' win over the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 16.
While in the end zone, Owens used the goal post and football as props to poke fun at the New England Patriots' recent spying scandal. He used the football like a camcorder to mimic the actions of a New England Patriots staff member caught videotaping the opposing sideline in order to get a view of the opposing team's playbook.
Owens planned his celebration days before by taking suggestions from callers on his weekly radio show because he said he likes to make them timely. The league justified its actions based on the fact that he used the ball as a prop and made fun of a serious situation.
The Patriots unquestionably violated league policy by filming the opposing team's sidelines to gain advantage, and the fine of $500,000 issued to head coach Bill Belichick was fair. It is obvious that the Patriots were cheating, and the league wants teams and players to know that cheating is a serious offense with serious consequences.
I believe that the league's fine for Owens was unwarranted. When he came out and made light of the situation, officials penalized him for making fun of a situation. But if players are not allowed to joke around or do anything lighthearted, it takes the fun out of the game. The league came down on him just by association. The Patriots screwed up badly, and Owens should be allowed to make fun of their mistake, so long as it's not vulgar or inciteful. It's fun for the fans and great for media coverage.
During week one, Cincinnati Bengals' receiver Chad Johnson was filmed on the sidelines after a touchdown dressing up in a white sport coat with the statement "future H.O.F" (hall of famer) written on the back. This was obviously a way for him to let the public know he thinks he deserves to be in the hall of fame after he retires from football. Johnson was not penalized in any way and was instead praised by many reporters and commentators for his actions. They felt he brought a fresh look to football and that his arrogance only made him a more interesting player to follow.
Last weekend, he warned that he was going to jump into the Cleveland Browns' stands after scoring a touchdown, and he did just that. As a result, fans poured beer on him and the media thought his actions were risky to his own safety and well-being. Again, he did not get fined. I feel obligated to ask why the definition of excessiveness is so different between Owens' and Johnson's celebrations.
Johnson's acts were arrogant and bigheaded, and I honestly do not see the difference in the amount of excessiveness they portray. I understand that Owens was poking fun at a cheating but both were touchdown celebrations in their own way and penalizing one and not the other is unfair.
Owens is no stranger to media coverage and problems with league officials, and his bad reputation puts him at higher risk for penalty than other players when celebrating a touchdown.
I think the NFL should let go of its hatred for Owens and players with similarly high-energy personalities and let celebrations occur, as long as they do not delay the game or incite anger and violence.
What's wrong with letting NFL players enjoy the moment when they score a big touchdown and put their own unique spin on the celebration? I see nothing wrong with celebrations and encourage more players to be like Owens and Johnson in order to keep fans guessing and entertained.
The Orion
Terrell Owens is back in the spotlight, and I am not surprised, mainly because the NFL likes to pick on him for his antics and excessive celebrations.
The Dallas Cowboys' receiver was fined $7,500 by the league for his satirical celebration following a touchdown he scored in the Cowboys' win over the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 16.
While in the end zone, Owens used the goal post and football as props to poke fun at the New England Patriots' recent spying scandal. He used the football like a camcorder to mimic the actions of a New England Patriots staff member caught videotaping the opposing sideline in order to get a view of the opposing team's playbook.
Owens planned his celebration days before by taking suggestions from callers on his weekly radio show because he said he likes to make them timely. The league justified its actions based on the fact that he used the ball as a prop and made fun of a serious situation.
The Patriots unquestionably violated league policy by filming the opposing team's sidelines to gain advantage, and the fine of $500,000 issued to head coach Bill Belichick was fair. It is obvious that the Patriots were cheating, and the league wants teams and players to know that cheating is a serious offense with serious consequences.
I believe that the league's fine for Owens was unwarranted. When he came out and made light of the situation, officials penalized him for making fun of a situation. But if players are not allowed to joke around or do anything lighthearted, it takes the fun out of the game. The league came down on him just by association. The Patriots screwed up badly, and Owens should be allowed to make fun of their mistake, so long as it's not vulgar or inciteful. It's fun for the fans and great for media coverage.
During week one, Cincinnati Bengals' receiver Chad Johnson was filmed on the sidelines after a touchdown dressing up in a white sport coat with the statement "future H.O.F" (hall of famer) written on the back. This was obviously a way for him to let the public know he thinks he deserves to be in the hall of fame after he retires from football. Johnson was not penalized in any way and was instead praised by many reporters and commentators for his actions. They felt he brought a fresh look to football and that his arrogance only made him a more interesting player to follow.
Last weekend, he warned that he was going to jump into the Cleveland Browns' stands after scoring a touchdown, and he did just that. As a result, fans poured beer on him and the media thought his actions were risky to his own safety and well-being. Again, he did not get fined. I feel obligated to ask why the definition of excessiveness is so different between Owens' and Johnson's celebrations.
Johnson's acts were arrogant and bigheaded, and I honestly do not see the difference in the amount of excessiveness they portray. I understand that Owens was poking fun at a cheating but both were touchdown celebrations in their own way and penalizing one and not the other is unfair.
Owens is no stranger to media coverage and problems with league officials, and his bad reputation puts him at higher risk for penalty than other players when celebrating a touchdown.
I think the NFL should let go of its hatred for Owens and players with similarly high-energy personalities and let celebrations occur, as long as they do not delay the game or incite anger and violence.
What's wrong with letting NFL players enjoy the moment when they score a big touchdown and put their own unique spin on the celebration? I see nothing wrong with celebrations and encourage more players to be like Owens and Johnson in order to keep fans guessing and entertained.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:03 AM
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