After scoring two touchdowns on Friday night and following them up with two goalpost dunks, which inevitably brought flags, New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham is now prepared to completely halt what has been a trademark of his for sometime now.
Graham had this to say to the New Orleans Time-Picayune on Sunday.
For four years and however many touchdowns, I always dunked it,” Graham said. “I just got to stop doing that now.
Not only are the Saints penalized 15 yards every time Graham decides to dunk after a score, he’s fined after each celebration. It remains to be seen which one of these factors played into his decision, but we can pretty much guarantee that Saints head coach Sean Payton played a role in it.
The rule is pretty much a direct response to Graham’s dunk against the Atlanta Falcons last season, which forced a delay in the nationally televised game. Graham had previously indicated that he would continue with the celebration.
After what was probably an earful from Payton over the weekend, that’s no longer the case. Graham obviously doesn’t agree with the rule.
I haven’t (been fined),” Graham said. “That’s just the rule, which is unfortunate because I just love the game. I have a lot of passion for the game. I go out there on Sunday and it’s fun for me. It’s just fun. Act like a little kid out there, and sometimes I act like it.
It’s all fun and games until the No Fun League checks in. But in this one case, Goodell and Co. are justified. No game should be delayed due to an over-the-top celebration from a player.
Photo: USA Today