The National Football League is having a crackdown on touchdown celebrations and Washington Redskins defensive back Deangelo Hall is jealous with the freedom NBA stars are experiencing right now.
Hall lamented the change in the league from what he played in early in his career, noting he could do things like celebrating in the end zone, the Washington Post reported. Hall added he is frustrated when he sees National Basketball Association players being themselves and sporting their preferred colors for their shoes and socks.
He even enumerated a few touchdown celebrations that were being done before, including Terrell Owens' popcorn celebration and Joe Horn's pulling off a cell phone gesture, saying back then, players could be "different." Also, he pointed out the strict uniform policy, saying players who wear shoes that are different in color from what the league endorses are fined $5000.
In the NBA, players are allowed to sport different hues for their shoes and socks but in the NFL, which has an ongoing deal with Nike, sporting different brands would result to being called for discipline.
For example, in Article 3, Section 4 of NFL Rule Book, players are only allowed to sport "league-approved tri-colored shoes" that are "permitted with black, white, and one team color." Players' footwear are subject to approval by the league office. Even wearing face paint is prohibited in the NFL and is considered a violation.
Recently, Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers earned himself a 15-yard penalty after twerking as his touchdown celebration. Written in the NFL bylaws, "sexually aggressive" acts are not tolerated and are subject to specific fines. Brown was fined $12,000 for twerking and paid another $9,000 for wearing a custom shoe, a clear violation of the NFL rules.
In his statement, Hall called the NFL the "no fun league," a running joke for critics and NFL players alike. But Hall added he was "glad I'm on the way out, because I don't have to deal with this stuff for too much longer."
Hall is yet to be back on the field for the Redskins after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee earlier in the season.