Near the end of his spectacular rookie debut for the Golden Bears (4 catches, 120 yards, 1 touchdown; 3 rushes, 38 yards, 1 rushing score) Keenan Allen decided to have a little fun and interact with the crowd. The officials didn't take too kindly, assessing him a fifteen yard celebration penalty.
The NCAA officials have a strong point. We must cull this concept of having fun during a sporting event.
And of course, they're looking out for the children. In the future, when these kids achieve professional costs, they'll all go around looking for high fives that will never come their way. It must be stopped at all costs, or soon all our wide receivers will start acting like Soviet automatons.
For the serious-minded among you, you might be wondering, is this really a foul?
It's not specifically in the NCAA rulebook, although you could probably use criteria (d) if you were in an ornery mood.
SECTION 2. Unsportsmanlike Conduct Fouls
Unsportsmanlike Acts
ARTICLE 1. There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct or any
act that interferes with orderly game administration on the
part of players, substitutes, coaches, authorized attendants
or any other persons subject to the rules, before the game,
during the game or between periods.
a. Specifically prohibited acts and conduct include:
1. No player, substitute, coach or other person subject to
the rules shall use abusive, threatening or obscene language
or gestures, or engage in such acts that provoke ill will or
are demeaning to an opponent, to game officials or to the
image of the game, including but not limited to:
(a) Pointing the finger(s), hand(s), arm(s) or ball at an
opponent, or imitating the slashing of the throat.
(b) Taunting, baiting or ridiculing an opponent verbally.
(c) Inciting an opponent or spectators in any other way, such
as simulating the firing of a weapon or placing a hand by the
ear to request recognition.
(d) Any delayed, excessive, prolonged or choreographed act
by which a player (or players) attempts to focus attention
upon himself (or themselves).
(e) An unopposed ball carrier obviously altering stride as he
approaches the opponent’s goal line or diving into the end zone.
(f) Removal of a player’s helmet before he is in the team area
(Exceptions: Team, media or injury timeouts; equipment
adjustment; through play; between periods; and during a
measurement for a first down).
(g) Punching one’s own chest or crossing one’s arms in front
of the chest while standing over a prone player.
(h) Going into the stands to interact with spectators, or
bowing at the waist after a good play.
Still, this rule is enforced pretty inconsistently. Witness Kenjon Barner of Oregon doing the exact same thing in the exact same situation (a blowout with no ramifications).
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