“No Fun League”? Or is it the “No Funeral League”?

Reacting to today’s headlines, it is clear that the NFL still wants its players to promote the NFL brand, above all else and will punish them if they prioritize themselves over the all-mighty NFL shield. This is how the NFL has acted for years, and it doesn’t surprise me that the league chose to fine Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens, $10,000 for waving a personalized towel during his game last Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. The NFL deemed this act to be a violation of the league’s rules against touchdown celebrations. Waving towels at sports contests is a long-standing tradition, especially in the state of Pennsylvania where the game took place. The supporters of the Penn State football team wave white towels, and the supporters of the NFL’s own Pittsburgh Steelers wave what they call the “Terrible Towel”. Owens’ act at least was relevant to the culture, and I ask “Would the NFL fine him if he was waving a plain towel, or even one with the NFL logo”? What did surprise me is that the Minnesota Vikings have docked wide receiver Troy Williamson pay for missing last Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers so he could attend his Grandmother’s funeral. Coach Brad Childress said that the decision was on a “business principle” of the Vikings organization. Williamson had played a large role in arranging the funeral and told the St. Paul Pioneer Press, “I don't care if they would have [taken] my pay for the rest of the year, I was going home.” I can see the logic of being paid for services rendered, but I am not sure I agree with the tone this action sets. The Vikings might not have told Williamson not to attend the funeral, but docking his pay certainly isn’t showing support for his decision to be with his family in grief. Have the Vikings acted appropriately? How would you react if you were in Williamson’s situation? Do you agree with the way the NFL is fining its players?