ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Stephfon Green's post-touchdown gesture didn't get the attention of the Jake Locker ball flip because it had no bearing on the outcome of a game. When Green, the Penn State backup running back, was called for unsportsmanlike conduct after lifting both arms to the sky, his team already led Syracuse 44-6.

But Green's "infraction" might be another example of officials taking their new point of emphasis on sportsmanship a little too far. All Green did was point to the sky after crossing the goal line, a gesture done by players in every sport. He didn't point at a Syracuse defender or a fan.

"I just pointed up to God thanking Him for letting me score the touchdown," Green said after the game.

What's next? A penalty for a quick prayer on bended knee after a touchdown? All the refs would need rotator cuff surgery for throwing all those flags. Remember how former Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel clasped his hands and prayed after every touchdown pass? Wonder if he'd be penalized these days.

Black Shoe Diaries lists several examples of players making similar gestures and not getting called. A lack of consistency is the problem with the calls, the blog asserts.

I asked the Big Ten about Green's penalty, and a league spokesman said the conference doesn't comment on specific judgment calls by officials. I was given the following guidelines for when an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty should be called.

SECTION 2. Noncontact Fouls

Unsportsmanlike Acts

ARTICLE 1. There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct or any act that interferes with orderly game administration on the part of players, substitutes, coaches, authorized attendants or any other persons subject to the rules, before the game, during the game or between periods.

a. Specifically prohibited acts and conduct include:

1. No player, substitute, coach or other person subject to the rules shall use abusive, threatening or obscene language or gestures, or engage in such acts that provoke ill will or are demeaning to an opponent, to game officials or to the image of the game, including but not limited to:

(a) Pointing the finger(s), hand(s), arm(s) or ball at an opponent, or imitating the slashing of the throat.

(b) Taunting, baiting or ridiculing an opponent verbally.

(c) Inciting an opponent or spectators in any other way, such as simulating the firing of a weapon or placing a hand by the ear to request recognition.

(d) Any delayed, excessive, prolonged or choreographed act by which a player (or players) attempts to focus attention upon himself (or themselves).

(e) Obviously altering stride as an unopposed runner approaches the opponent's goal line, or diving into the end zone when unopposed.

(f) Removal of a player's helmet before he is in the team area (Exceptions: Team, media or injury timeouts; equipment adjustment; through play; between periods; and during a measurement for a first down).

(g) Punching one's own chest or crossing one's arms in front of the chest while standing over a prone player.

(h) Going into the stands to interact with spectators, or bowing at the waist after a good play.

Green's gesture doesn't appear to fall under any of those categories. He didn't incite or taunt his opponent or the fans. He didn't pretend to have a gun.

For what it's worth, Penn State coach Joe Paterno didn't mind the call, so maybe we're all wrong. But in a sport that takes itself too seriously at times, referees should back off a bit -- or at least be more consistent in their calls.