Here’s some unsolicited advice for the National Football League, if it’s as serious as it says it is about eliminating on-field “excess” – as in excessive celebrations and taunting.
First, demand that your officials immediately implement common sense. The average fan — even an all-too-forgiving, home-team booster — knows the difference between legitimate “enthusiasm” that is fundamental to the playing of any sport and boorish, sometimes thuggish, look-at-me antics.
Second, work with the networks so that every time there’s yet another over-the-top, sophomoric outburst — not just the choreographed stuff — the camera doesn’t linger on the game’s bozos. When it does, and it does it all the time, it sends a message all the way down to the high schools – and lower – that such displays are acceptable. A lot of parents and coaches — who know the difference between a game and show biz — would appreciate it.