According to Bleacher Report and ProFootballTalk, referees at both the Carolina Panthers' camp and the Minnesota Vikings' camp told the players that they will be penalized fifteen yards if they spin the ball during celebrations.
According to the 2012 NFL Rulebook, this rule was already in the official rules for last season, it was just not enforced. Here is what the rule says:
"These acts include but are not limited to: sack dances; home run swing; incredible hulk; spiking the ball; throwing or shoving the ball; pointing; pointing the ball; verbal taunting; military salute; standing over an opponent (prolonged and with provocation; or dancing."
If this rule is to be enforced by the NFL, it seems like the celebration is officially over. Not being able to spin the ball or do any other things, makes scoring touchdowns a little...boring.
Carolina Panthers' wide receiver Steve Smith says that he wants to continue spinning the ball, so he will figure out some way to do so without being penalized. I say go for it, Steve.
There is no way of knowing whether the NFL will enforce this rule in the 2013 season, until we get to that point. Many football fans would like to see all celebrations stay intact, and it would be utterly ridiculous if this rule was enforced to a degree that stops celebrations altogether.
It seems that the NFL is continuing to try and ruin the game of football even more, and if players can't even spin the ball after they score a touchdown, then what is the point of trying to have fun watching it or playing it at all?
Roger Goodell; please stop with all of these unnecessary rules. It's getting out of hand.
What is your take on the NFL's "No Spinning the Ball" rule?