John Mara’s comments on the new taunting rule are ridiculous

New York Giants owner John Mara offered his perspective on the new rules against taunting, and it was an eye-roller. 

This offseason, the NFL instituted new rules cracking down on taunting practices by players, and among those who were for the change was New York Giants owner John Mara.

Mara is one of the members of the NFL competition committee responsible for the anti-taunting changes.

On Tuesday, he offered his stance when asked about discussions leading to the committee’s decision, per SB Nation:

"“Nobody wants to see a player taunting another player. I know, I certainly don’t. I think the rest of the members of the competition committee feel the same way, too.”"

Excuse me? No one wants to see that? Absolutely nobody? That’s not true. Mara may not and that’s his choice, but don’t go out there and say no one wants to see it. You don’t get to speak for everyone here.

Contrary to his belief, people are indeed interested in seeing taunting. In fact, we only need to go back to the Super Bowl and see how people reacted to Buccaneers safety Antonie Winfield Jr. holding up the peace sign on Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

With the exception of Tony Romo on the broadcast, the incident received mostly chuckles and laughter instead of the supposed outrage that Mara is speaking off.

Furthermore, this past weekend, Colts running back Benny LeMay ripped off an impressive run by running over several players on the Carolina Panthers. Unfortunately, the moment was short-lived as a penalty flag wiped it off for “unsportsmanlike conduct.” Needless to say, people were not pleased at all.

It’s people like John Mara who are more prompt to disciplinary football as opposed to fun and banter.

Granted, there is certainly a limit on how much taunting you can do and how far the crossing line is, but shrinking it unnecessarily makes for bad football, and fans don’t want that. Sure, there are things that you absolutely cannot say, and rightfully so. However, football is a competitive sport, emotions run high, and players want to have fun.

Unfortunately, it’s those like John Mara who are firmly rooted in what could be considered a “robotic mindset” that doesn’t translate to society today and has people in an uproar. Nevertheless, while players are frustrated and have voiced their concerns publicly, they will be subject to more flags, which can hurt.

As is often the case, those in a higher position of authority make the rules and expect everyone to follow them. It’s a shame because taunting is simply part of the game, a game that John Mara is bent on making more disciplined.

Moreover, Would it not be interesting to see an opponent come into MetLife Stadium this season and taunt a Giants player in front of Mara? What will he say and do then? The answer awaits.