The NFL is a contact sport and when a player scores a touchdown, it’s a big deal.

However, there have been so many questionable penalties recently that I feel compelled to discuss these matters with my fellow NFL fans.

I think it’s important to note that referees have more power in the NFL than we comprehend. There are certain calls like “pass interference” that coaches cannot challenge. Refs also can throw their yellow flag when there is a celebration of a touchdown by teammates in the end zone. These rules never used to be this extreme, which is why the NFL is now commonly referred as the “No Fun League.”

One example from this week is when the Seahawks played the Saints. Seahawks safety Earl Thomas scored a touchdown and hugged the nearest person to him. Unfortunately, that person was a referee and he pulled out his yellow flag because this act fell under the penalty of “unsportsmanlike conduct.” Another example of an absurd call of “unsportsmanlike conduct” is when players smack-talk to each other during the game, which is absolutely preposterous, as this is what makes the game even more entertaining.

In addition and as I previously mentioned, football IS a contact sport. So, why do referees throw up their flag when a cornerback simply brushes up against the wide receiver that he is covering? There have been countless games where I’ve watched cornerbacks barely even wide receivers, yet the cornerbacks will still be penalized. What is even worse is that wide receivers, nowadays, even throw up their hands for a flag when they are touched in the slightest bit.

My point is that the NFL is nothing as it used to be. What is so wrong about celebrating a touchdown in the end zone? What is so wrong with talking smack to opponents? What is so wrong, as a cornerback, about brushing shoulders with a wide receiver who you are trying to keep up with? Isn’t contact, celebrating and smack-talking what make the NFL great?

I don’t know about you, but as an avid football watcher, I can’t help but think that NFL referees are taking the love and passion out of this game from their questionable penalties.

Next week, remind yourselves of this post and see if your opinion changes about NFL refs and whether or not they are being fair.