The Globe's Bob Ryan says he is old school and that the only entertainment he needs to see at a sporting event is the players making good plays, not the posing-for-the-camera type celebrations that have run rampant. What do you think?

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The choreographed celebrations have gotten out of hand. Spontaneous celebrations are great; the outpouring of genuine emotions can arouse emotions from spectators. I remember how "weepy" eyed I felt the first time I saw someone at the Olympics reach into the stands for his national flag. Now, that act is a little contrived and stale. Most media outlet are talking about the celebration issue, but no one is asking why it is happening. People normally act a certain way because they are rewared financially or emotionally for their behaviour. Ask your grade school teacher about the "class clowns". Stop showing the celebrations, and the problem goes away. There is an extra 15-30 seconds for more commercials or to replay the touchdown. Teachers regain control of their class when everyone stops encouraging the class clown, and he fades into the woodwork. Remember the 70s when a lot of people brought signs to the game to get airtime (e.g. bedsheet signs at hockey games); without the airtime, these signmakers are now confined to wrestling events. Penalizing the team and a fine is not acting as a deterrent. Players were actually saying watch my next celebration. Maybe the league needs to have the team police its own actions. How do you thing teammates, coaches, and management would react if the this was the penalty: Create a penalty box similar to hockey, and the other team selects a player who serves a 15 minute unsportmanlike conduct penalty. Some players are selfish, but are they selfish enough to play an entire quarter without a star player ? Or take away the touchdown, the down, and assess the 15 yard penalty at the site of the line of scrimmage. Wouldn't that be deterrence enough to have players celbrate within the rule. The "No Fun League". That is a little harsh. Compare the NFL to other sporting events: Wimbledon, The Masters, and Golfing etiquette in general. If players new more than just their small role in the sporting world, they would realize that most sports in general have rules of etiquette. I hate to compare players from different eras, but the players from the 80s and earlier may not run as fast or jump as high, but in general they had class. The Terrell Owens and Joe Horns of the world must realize that there 15-minutes of fame is fleeting, not one will remember their celebrations years from now. It's your performance during the game that matters. You want proof? Here is a list of some of the greatest players ever, tell me if they had contrived celebrations: Barry Sanders Joe Montana Wayne Gretzky Micheal Jordan Larry Bird Magic Pele Lance Armstrong Mark Spitz Hank Aaron Roger Clemens Willie Mays Mickey Mantle Celebrations may get you face time on Sportscenter, but it won't make you an all-time great. All-time "grate", maybe.

Roger, London

Bob Ryan is THE best sports writer, bar none. I agree whole heartedly on this one. I appreciate the philosophy that says "when you get into the end zone, act like you've been there before".

Brian, Waltham