Gestures of praise after a victory or success has gone on for decades in and out of sports. Tim Tebow is most recently known for popularizing kneeling after a touchdown, which was met with both support and opposition. While some saw it as nothing more than recognition and appreciation to God, others felt it was too much or inappropriate.
Apparently, when Texas’ Columbus High junior, Derrick Hayes, celebrated the track and field 4×100 relay team’s victory by pointing his finger to the sky, it was too much. Enough to get him and his teammates disqualified from competing for the state championship later this month. It was determined by Columbus meet officials that Hayes violated the rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL), which bans “excessive celebration” including the raising of hands.
“He put his hand by his ear and pointed to the heavens,” Hayes’ father, KC Hayes, told KHOU. “It was a reaction. You’re brought up your whole life that God gives you good things, you’re blessed.”
While it remains unlikely that the team will regain the opportunity to compete in the championships, the residents of the area have shown support for Hayes as they question the UIL regulation.
“You cross a finish line and you’ve accomplished a goal and within seconds it’s gone,” KC Hayes said. “To see four kids, you know, what does that tell them about the rest of their lives? You’re going to do what’s right, work extra hard, and have it ripped away from you?”
Read more on the story on Yahoo! Sports.
BMWK–What are your thoughts on this rule of excessive celebration? Is it a violation of expression of religion?