On Sunday, two different Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers got taunting penalties for taking things too far after a play. George Pickens and Diontae Johnson both drew flags for lapses in judgment that could have cost the Steelers the game. Both guys were fortunate they didn’t have more significant ramifications.
Running back Najee Harris said that he was close to getting a penalty for something similar in that same game.
“I almost had one,’ Harris said. “They said I was talking to the guy. They should know the difference between guys competing and guys saying stuff to hurt someone. We’re just competing. It’s competitive. You might have a little chit-chat. We just have to find a balance where it’s too much and when it’s not.”
One point that I think is important. It is not the officials’ responsibility to differentiate. It’s your responsibility to handle yourself with professionalism and worry less about jawing with opponents and more about playing better football.
