The Mile High Salute is not illegal. Spinning a football is not illegal. Spiking the football is not illegal.
That's what NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino said on "The Rich Eisen Podcast" this week, clarifying what recently had become a confusing issue about touchdown celebrations.
"The only time things like that would be illegal, and there's no change, is if that was directed at an opponent," Blandino said. "A major point of emphasis this year will be taunting. Acts that are directed at an opponent, whether it's verbal or spinning a football or throwing a football at your opponent, that is a foul.
"Really, there's no change to the rule. ... As long as it's away from opponents, it's fine."
So there is no rule change. Blandino said there is an "emphasis" on taunting, especially the verbal stuff. But that's always been the case. We're not sure exactly how things got so mangled publicly, but we've heard a ton of misinformation on the topic nationally over the last week.
Glad to clear that up.
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