NFL's Decision To Enforce Taunting Penalties Have Sent Fans in an Uproar

The NFL recently announced an additional rule change that has sent football fans scratching their heads.

Earlier this week, the organization have instructed game officials to be extra strict when enforcing taunting rules for the upcoming season. NFL Network’s own Tom Pelissero took to social media to announce the new rule writing, “The NFL’s annual rule change and points of emphasis video notes game officials have been instructed to strictly enforce taunting rules in 2021. Two violations result in an automatic ejection, with fines and even suspensions (!!) in play, too.”

In the newly released video that details the new rules, the league explained the rule change in part due to “an increase in actions that clearly are not within the spirit and intent of this rule and not representative of the respect to opponents and others on the field.” The NFL doubled down on the new rule stating, “Game officials have been instructed to strictly enforce the taunting rules. and players and coaches are reminded that two taunting penalties committed by an individual player will result in automatic disqualification. In addition, the taunting player may be fined and/or suspended depending on the severity of the actions.”

Fans have been undoubtedly unhappy with the rule change, taking to Twitter to express their disdain for unsportsmanlike penalties that are negatively impacting the entertainment value of the games. Take a look at what some fans had to say about the NFL rule enforcement below.

Automatic ejections and fines for taunting aren’t new, but this was an issue that competition committee chairman Rich McKay said coaches spoke up about in the spring. Exact quote from the video below. Illegal use of helmet remains a point of emphasis for officials as well. pic.twitter.com/oLLS3dOafH

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 10, 2021

Spoke to NFL officials on the taunting penalties last week…There’s a significant difference in making gestures and making gestures AT opposing players. @gmfb

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) August 10, 2021

Hot take: When guys, that are training all year and risking brain injuries, beat the best in the world to score/make a big play they should be allowed to rub it in their opponents face as much as they want

Also taunting adds to rivalries which is fun for the league. #NoFunLeague https://t.co/CU1T1C7jNr

— Joe DiBiase (@SneakyJoeSports) August 10, 2021

no fun league https://t.co/COcCAwz1Yj

— charles (crying online) mcdonald (@FourVerts) August 10, 2021

The league should actually legalize taunting if anything, lets have some fun. https://t.co/uLo1A9SBuF

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 10, 2021

My immediate, measured reaction to the NFL’s stricter taunting rules: https://t.co/UH1KVysNOL pic.twitter.com/nI7jVXrtF2

— Wes Blankenship (@Wes_nship) August 10, 2021

You’re reinforcing your title as the “No Fun League.” What the h*ll? pic.twitter.com/4y0AvTDFhb

— Michael Cruz (@Michael33302297) August 10, 2021

Did they just ask every football fan “Do you enjoy when players talk trash or show up an opponent after a big play?” then when 90%+ said yes they said got it, now let’s ruin that for everyone

— Sworth (@Sworth0794) August 10, 2021

My immediate, measured reaction to the NFL’s stricter taunting rules: https://t.co/UH1KVysNOL pic.twitter.com/nI7jVXrtF2

— Wes Blankenship (@Wes_nship) August 10, 2021

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