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DeSean Jackson: Innovator

What's the difference between these two people? Well, besides the fact that the girl, let's call her Jane, can ride a bike and Ray Lewis probably can't, and that the Jane's idea of a good time is a tea party, whereas Lewis' looks more like this:

The NFL seems to think that's where the differences stop. Of course that's not true, as the NFL employs people that are for the most part very well educated. And no, this article is not about the 'cracking down' on big hits this season, but they do at least seem to think that the two people above are sensitive to the same things. Yet I don't believe that a broken toy would effect Mr. Lewis in the same way it does Jane, as I can't imagine a man of Ray's stature crying in any situation.

Nonetheless, showboating or, as the officials call it, excessive celebration, has been a huge issue this year in the NFL (but before we continue, let me assure you, I do not agree with the NFL). And that is where DeSean Jackson comes into play.

A couple of days ago, I mentioned DeSean, and included one of his infamous touchdown celebrations this year, yet just posting that link doesn't really do him justice, so let's look at another example:



Yes, it is a little late for this video, but who doesn't enjoy a good play? Although there was no flag for excessive celebration, as there was in the earlier video, DeSean has received a large amount of criticism from the football community for his antics, and due to both videos, has now been labeled as an over-the-top player by many. But looking back at the comparison from the beginning of this post, are people treating NFL players too much like little kids? I believe so. A man with the stature and poise to perform a hit like the one above is not offended by celebration in the same way a fourth-grader playing kickball is, when the opposing team kicks a homerun. For this reason, I propose a relaxation to the haphazard throwing of penalty flags for minor infractions, especially celebration, which should be a part of sports.

In baseball, when a walk-off home run is hit, celebration is welcomed, and in soccer, where you see the most sensitive and theatrical athletes in the sports world,



celebration after a goal is encouraged. However, in football, where the supposed titans of the gridiron match up with intent to cause pain, any minor amount of celebration warrants a 15-yard penalty applied to the kickoff. As well, I really doubt that when Ray Lewis gets scored on (which he rarely lets happen), he is offended by such antics as DeSean Jackson has perfected.

So continue, DeSean, to receive penalties, until the rules become lightened. It is due to your perseverance that I have labeled you an innovator. But until then, we should just let Jane and her friends play in the NFL, as maybe they will appreciate over-celebratory flags. And to all of you that think showboating has gone too far, maybe you can join this new league, just don't expect much talent or strength from these 5-year-old girls (not to say little girls cant have some fight [couldn't find a video])

To end, I would just like to reiterate my point, by (sarcastically) saying thank you to commisioner Roger Goodell, for making sure things like this never happen again:

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