Colts running back flagged for mild emotion under new NFL taunting rules
Indianapolis Colts running back Benny LeMay was flagged on Sunday for unsportsmanlike conduct for showing mild emotion and taunting an opponent following a 14-yard first-down run. The 15-yard penalty wiped out the play and sets the tone for the NFL season. The NFL has emphasized its desire to crack down on taunting penalties this season, threatening ejections, fines and suspensions.
The soft standard set in Sunday’s game has drawn criticism from some of the league’s top commentators, including Warren Sharp.
“I don’t want to live in a world where this minor level of enthusiasm after steamrolling the entire defense is a 15-yard penalty,” posted Sharp. “What’s wrong with you, NFL?”
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan also chimed in on the viral moment, bringing back the “No Fun League” moniker for the NFL around taunting.
“So lame for that, no fun league back in action,” posted Jordan. “That energy what amps the game up! If it’s a flagrant fine, but that wasn’t even disrespectful.”
2021 NFL rule changes
The NFL released its annual rule change and points of emphasis video last week. Committee chairman Rich McKay spoke about the change in philosophy.
“The NFL Players Association, coaches and competition committee have all made a strong statement regarding respect among everyone on the field,” McKay said in the video. “We saw an increase in actions that clearly are not within the spirit and intent of this rule and not representative of respect due opponents and others on the field.”
He continued: “Game officials have been instructed to strictly enforce the taunting rules, and players and coaches are reminded that two taunting penalties committed by an individual player will result in automatic disqualification. In addition, the taunting player may be fined and/or suspended depending on the severity of the actions.”
About Benny LeMay
Benny LeMay is a 5-foot-8, 220-pound running back who played collegiately at Charlotte. The undersized back went undrafted in 2020 after running for 3,323 yards and 22 touchdowns in Conference USA.
He signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2020 but was waived before the start of the season. He spent one week on the Browns practice squad before his release in mid-September.
LeMay returned to the NFL in January when he signed a reserve/future contract with the Colts. He finished Sunday’s preseason game with 26 yards and a touchdown on six carries.
The Colts currently have seven running backs on the roster. The group includes 2020 contributors Jonathan Taylor, Marlon Mack, Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins. Rookie Deon Jackson and second-year player Darius Anderson are also on the 90-man roster.