Hook ’em Horns Should be a penalty if you are going to play like that

Hook ’em Horns has been around for decades.  Until recently I had no problem with it.  It was something that was no different than any other college cheer.  The history of the hand gesture is pretty interesting even if it is not completely unique.  Other schools have other things that they do.  There are other schools that also use the Hook ’em Horns sign.  They are all either bulls or something like that so it makes sense.

It is something that adds to the fun and excitement of a game.   Sure why not.  Flash that sign when you score a touchdown or have a good play.   I dont’ have a problem with that.   The NFL has finally allowed players to have some kind of group celebration when they score a touchdown.  Football is entertainment.  We are not talking about a life critical activity here.  It is supposed to be fun.  Fun for the players and fun for the fans.

The other team is allowed to have fun too.  At least they should be allowed.   If a team can flash a hand sign. As Texas flashes the Hook ’em Horns sign.  The other team should be allowed to flash the Horns down sign.  This has been going on probably almost as long as the Hook ’em Horns sign has been being flashed.  This is all part of the fun right?   I guess not.  The Big 12 has now said that if Oklahoma flashes the Horns Down sign that it will be a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty.

Hurt Feelings?

I guess they are saying that the Texas players feeling are going to be hurt by the horns down sign.  It can’t be that Oklahoma or what ever team is playing Texas just made a really good play.  It could be a sack or an interception.  Maybe a fumble recovery or a pick 6.   Maybe that hurt their feelings as well.  Nope it was the horns down and the team that flashed it should be punished.

So now Big 12 you want to play that game.  If that is the game that you want to play then the Hook ’em Horns sign should be a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty as well.  If down is taunting the up is taunting as well.  Or maybe you can get even more specific.  If the game is a home game for Texas the Hook ’em Horns is alright but Horns Down is bad.  The game is a road game for Texas then Hook ’em Horns is bad but Horns Down is fine.  If it is a neutral site game then they are both alright.

Really come on.  That is ridiculous.  The thing about thi idea.  It is not any more ridiculous than a 15 yard penalty for the Horns Down.  Get over it and play some football.

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