It looks like Jared Allen might be in the market for a new sack celebration. Or at least a different version of his current one.
An NFL spokesman confirmed Sunday that the league has informed Allen and the Vikings that the All-Pro defensive end will be penalized and possibly fined if he performs his "calf roping" celebration after a sack.
The league prohibits players from going to the ground in celebrations. After sacks, Allen takes a knee, pretends to rope a calf and then throws his arms in the air. Allen presumably can still perform his celebration as long as he's standing on his feet.
Allen has performed his post-sack celebration for years, so it's curious the league is threatening punishment now. Asked about the new stance, a league spokesman wrote in an e-mail: "That is how the new head of officiating wants it enforced."
The spokesman e-mailed the Minneapolis Star Tribune an explanation of the ruling:
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"The Vikings were informed by Vice President of Officiating Carl Johnson that Jared Allen's demonstration, in which he goes to the ground on one knee, is unsportsmanlike conduct as defined by NFL rules. Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 (d) of the NFL Rule Book states: 'Players are prohibited from engaging in any celebrations while on the ground.' Demonstrations of this kind by any player will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty (loss of 15 yards) and are subject to potential fines."
