That's entertainment

I saw a college football player get flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct foul in the end zone.

He scored a go-ahead touchdown late in the game. As he crossed the goal-line he dropped the ball, went to the back of the end zone, gave a hand salute to the crowd and returned to his bench. Fifteen-yard penalty on the kickoff.

I saw an NFL player make a tackle that was insignificant to the outcome of the game. It was an average tackle on a two-yard run.

After the tackle was made, the player jumped up and auditioned for “Dancing With the Stars” and “American Idol” at the same time. No flag, just the commentators adding, “great tackle, he gets really excited after a good hit.”

I guess one game we watch is for football and the other we watch for football and entertainment. I'm not making a judgement on which one is right or wrong, that's up to you.

The college season is over, and Super Bowl Sunday is not far away. I do however, want you prepared for the various acts you will see in the coming weeks.

The Flex

Remember after a run, catch, tackle or touchdown, all NFL players are required to show their 22-inch biceps. That's the real reason they wear skin tight jerseys with no sleeves. The flex can be done in a variety of positions. Standing straight up with arms parallel to the floor is most common,

although gaining in popularity is what I call the “Arnold” position. The back is at a 45 degree angle with the head jutting forward. Both give the same effect, but there is one consequence: Five million 12-year-olds now run around their living rooms showing their moms what a pimple on a pipe cleaner looks like.

The Spike

Why not be nice to the ball? It's your friend. It gave you six points. It didn't do anything to hurt you. After 90-percent of the touchdowns scored in the coming weeks, this poor ball will take a beating. It will be slammed to the turf in a variety of fashions. The highlighted version is for a player to take a running start and slam the ball so hard it takes the air out of it. For those players who don't have a great arm, they will flip it to a teammate who will try to smash the NFL logo off it. Moms, make sure all vases and lamps are put up until after the Super Bowl.

The Dance

After a big play, the dance is a must. It can be done solo, with a partner or as a group. Most dances in the NFL are improvised, however a few players have been to Arthur Murray's dance studio. You see, the bigger the play, the longer the dance.

Dancing during introductions is not just a passing fad. All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis' rendition of “My Last Tango In Baltimore” was a classic. Mom, you never have to worry whether your son will get out on the floor at his first dance.

Fans enjoy the playoffs and the Super Bowl. It is an American tradition and almost a national holiday. I hope all the games are close and exciting. I know that players are just showing their feelings and emotions.

But for me, I have to remember watching the greatest player that ever stepped on a football field: Jim Brown, of the Cleveland Browns. After a spectacular run, he coolly, softly dropped the ball in the end zone and returned to the bench.

That's entertainment.

John Blabe was the athletic director and football coach at Antelope Union High School. He can be reached at jbcoachescorner@gmail.com