Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) celebrates with wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) his touchdown scored against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller was on the receiving end of a horrible taunting call during Monday Night Football.
In Monday Night Football’s game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers, Raiders tight end Darren Waller received one of the worst taunting calls in the expansive history of horrible taunting calls.
As seen in the video, Waller, after converting a huge third down, quickly spikes the ball as he is pushed out of bounds before retreating back to the huddle. Waller didn’t direct his action at any member of the Chargers or even stare any opponent down. Despite those facts, he was still flagged.
Taunting penalty NFL
The taunting rule isn’t a new rule, but this past offseason it was made a point of emphasis for NFL referees. For NFL players and fans, it has just become a point of annoyance. Every week fans and players are routinely outraged by the costly 15-yard penalty players receive for showing emotion in a passion driven sport.
Despite Steve Levy’s defense of the rule by saying a lot of the young coaches were on board with it becoming a point of emphasis, the weekly resentment by fans show that it isn’t appreciated by the masses.
It forces the players to check their passion while handing them costly penalties if a referee thinks they didn’t. The Raiders, who were struggling to get going offensively, converted a big third down and immediately had their momentum stopped by the referees when they were sent back 15 yards. They now sit behind 21-0 at halftime.