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« Biggest upset ever | Main | Bobby Sisk | Movin' on up »

Greg Bailey | You're suspended

September 6, 2007

Greg Bailey

WCNC Sports Director

I get the new emphasis on sportsmanship in high school football. I really do, and I applaud it. And I understand that game officials and state officials really are trying to do what’s right.



Only they’ve gotten it all wrong instead. Ladies and gentlemen, punish players who taunt. Don’t punish players who are simply enjoying themselves while they excel.

Jarrett Boykin from Butler raised his index finger as he crossed the goal line against Vance. (Click here to watch video of the play) Boykin says he was pointing to God. Officials say he was taunting. Given that no one from the Vance defense was close enough to be taunted, I’m going with Jarrett. I’ve shown the video 42 times this week on WCNC, so I think I have a pretty good idea.


Butler coach Mike Newsome won’t talk much about it, other than to say he respects the officials and the job they have to do. Smart move, coach. Say too much, you might get suspended, too. Have too much fun like your player, suspended. Enjoy your life helping young people, suspended.

Sun Valley’s Ray Ray Davis dove into the end zone last week. Two defenders were close, but state officials apparently have some kind of measuring device in Chapel Hill. Not close enough to merit a dive so another great player sits this week. I admit I like Ray Ray for no other reason than he’s really good and his real name is apparently Vincent. I’m not good enough at anything to have a nickname, much less “Ray Ray.”

That’s really the point isn’t it? Playing well enough score multiple touchdowns in a game like Jarrett and Ray Ray did is hard to do. It’s also exciting. And fun.


You have earned the right to celebrate. So what if it’s not my celebration. It shouldn’t be. My job wouldn’t be fun at all if high school players looked at the world like I do. I don’t want them to see everything like an “almost” middle aged man.

Looking to all the excessive celebrations in the NFL (I was standing about four feet away from Terrell Owens when he pulled the Sharpie out of his sock to sign a football on Monday Night Football, but that’s a story for another time) athletic association officials across America decided enough was enough on the high school level. You get the idea – see it on TV on Sunday, taunt like the pros next Friday night. It’s been a problem everywhere I’ve covered high school football. Great concept, but lousy execution in the Charlotte area.

I’ll make you this deal: if we get a really great, excessive taunting display on the air for HS GameTime, I’ll serve the suspension for the offending party. Until then, have fun. Keep being Jarrett and keep on being Ray Ray.

Posted by WCNC.com staff at September 6, 2007 10:06 AM

Comments

Finally...common sense, send some of that up to Chapel Hill would ya?

Posted by: Andrew at September 7, 2007 11:48 AM

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