Josh Norman calls out NFL for 'double standard' after bow-and-arrow fine
As it flags touchdown celebrations, fines players for custom cleats and limits team's social media activity, the NFL is quickly earning a reputation as the "No Fun League."
The NFL has issued fines for celebrations that are sexually suggestive (like Antonio Brown's twerk) or mimic a violent act (like Josh Norman's bow-and-arrow shot). According to Senior Vice President of Officiating Dean Blandino, those are not images the league wants to portray.
"There are many, many kids out there that are NFL fans that are playing football and they see our athletes and they mimic what they do," Blandino said in a video clarifying unsportsmanlike conduct fouls. "We wouldn't want some of these things out on the youth football field."
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But Norman, a defensive back for the Washington Redskins, sees it as a complete double standard.
In an interview with 106.7 The Fan on Thursday, Norman discussed the discrepancy between what the players want and what the league wants.
“I think we have a double standard as a league,” he added. “We say want to be PG (rated) or whatever television show we showing, but at the same time we’re selling beer on TV shows when kids (are) watching. So it’s kind of like, well dang, if that’s the case and that’s good, why can’t we have fun within the game?"
Norman was flagged 15 yards and fined $9,115 for his bow-and-arrow celebration in Week 4. Many echoed Norman and pointed out the league's hypocritical behavior, including the controversy surrounding his team's name.
Brown was flagged for pelvic thrusting after a touchdown in the same week as Norman's bow-and-arrow. During the game, the NFL posted a GIF of Brown dancing, which drew more criticism from folks who saw it as hypocritical.
Norman appealed his fine, unsuccessfully. His situation marks one of many ways the NFL is trying to iron out its own inconsistencies by imposing tighter regulations.
Norman isn't having it.
"I mean it’s a barbaric sport," Norman said. "So if you want to be a double standard, like, c’mon, man. Let’s be realistic here. You want to have things the way you want it, but then again, when it comes to us, we can’t have the things we want. It don’t even make any sense."
