Earl Thomas flagged for hugging referee after TD (Video)

Earl Thomas III was so happy after scoring a touchdown he hugged a referee.

The NFL is often known as the no fun league because of how they penalize celebrations. Earl Thomas III of the Seattle Seahawks has found out the hard way the NFL is also a no hugs league. After scoring on a fumble recovery, the free safety was so excited and he just couldn’t hide it. So he decided to hug a referee. Thomas was given a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.

LEGION OF BOOM.

The @Seahawks force the fumble.
And @Earl_Thomas takes it to the HOUSE. #SEAvsNO
https://t.co/0NVGxEGQlp

— NFL (@NFL) October 30, 2016

Here’s a good look at the hug. All Thomas wanted to do was give someone a hug and the referee wanted no part of it. 15 yards for hugging?

Haha Hey Earl, that's not going to fly in this league! #NFL pic.twitter.com/w87SRBAPHn

— NFL Draft Insider (@NFLDraftInsider) October 30, 2016

While the hug is a little outrageous, this might be the first time a hug has been declared to be unsportsmanlike. If anything, hugs are sportsmanlike. They’re signs of respect and friendship. But Thomas has to know better than to try to have any fun on the field. The NFL doesn’t like for their players to express themselves and they certainly don’t like their players giving referees hugs.

Maybe the NFL and NHL should switched names so it can truly be known as the No Hugs League. Thomas is one of the best free safeties in football, and he shows why on this play. He shows great awareness of the situation, picking up the ball in a huge crowd. Thomas shows impressive acceleration and speed by getting into the end zone. The Legion of Boom has struck again and it’s a reason for the Seahawks success.

Thomas has 20 tackles entering Sunday’s game to go along with two interceptions. Seattle’s defense is once again dominant and keeping them in games while their offense struggles.