The NFL banned the celebratory goal post dunk amongst many other things that help make the game fun. New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham vowed to lead the league in penalties in order to continue the dunks that became his signature. Well after scoring two touchdowns on Friday and receiving two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for his dunks, Graham has decided to throw in the towel.
Saints coach Sean Payton was of course visibly upset about the penalties and after the second one, he chased Graham down to give him a piece of his mind. That may have done the trick, the two had a meeting to discuss the two dunks but agreed to keep what was said between them.
“For four years and however many touchdowns I always dunked it,” Graham said, via Larry Holder of the New Orleans Time-Picayune. “I just got to stop doing that now.”
“I’m his biggest fan,” Payton said. “I’m sure as we get going here that type of thing isn’t going to be a problem. Rules are changing constantly whether we like them or voted for them or any of those things. He’s outstanding. He’ll be ready to go.”
It was a preseason game and Graham says he’ll never do anything to hurt the team during the regular season.