NFL To Ban Dunking

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end

(88) celebrates a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

In an effort to take as much fun out of the game as possible, the NFL has reportedly banned dunking celebrations after touchdowns.

NFL Head of Officiating Dean Blandino told Dan Patrick today the NFL rules committee has banned dunking a football through the goal posts. It is now subject to a 15-yard personal foul. You can listen to the interview with Blandino as well as read a brief rundown of the interview here.

"Blandino also talked about celebrations and explained there’s a rule against using the ball as a prop. Players can no longer dunk the ball over the goalpost. Blandino explained dunking the ball and things like the Lambeau Leap had been grandfathered in. But now players will be penalized for dunking the ball."

The timing of the “no dunk” rule being enforced after Tony Gonzalez retired in interesting. It seems a bit rigged, really.

But it makes sense they would ban the dunk. I mean, look how offensive this celebration is:

Hide the kids, hide the wife. I’ve never seen such offensive material in all my life.

Further, this means we’ll never see this guy dunk after a touchdown.

What a waste. Well done, NFL. I’m glad “a respectful atmosphere” means ridding the game of emotion.