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Joe Horn: Goodell 'the Vladimir f---ing Putin of the NFL'

Sean Gardner / Reuters

Players haven't been shy about taking shots at Roger Goodell over the past few years, but Joe Horn's latest criticism as it relates to celebration penalties may be the most interesting yet.

The former New Orleans Saints receiver, who famously highlighted a mini era of touchdown theatrics by pulling out a cell phone after one particular score, isn't a fan of the NFL's increasingly strict policies on such actions.

Speaking with Jonathan Jones of SI.com, Horn referenced the penalty flags and lofty fines in comparing Goodell and his level of control to that of a certain Russian leader.

"Roger Goodell is like the Vladimir f---ing Putin of the NFL," Horn said. "You quote me on that s--t. Roger Goodell is the Vladimir Putin of the NFL when it comes to players. Putin punks every country when he gets ready to. And there’s no rules when it comes to Putin, and Goodell is the same f---ing way when it comes to players. He sets all the standards."

Horn continued, clarifying that while some of the extremes don't apply, it's the power held by one person that makes the comparison fitting.

"If they read that quote, they would know that he's not having people killed and none of the players killed," he added. "But as far as dictatorship, as far as making moves to do what he wants, that's what Putin does."

The most prominent example of a player being penalized for a celebration this season came back in Week 1, when Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Antonio Brown was flagged and subsequently fined $12,154 for, presumably, exceeding his pump limit while twerking in the end zone.

Brown later said the league discipline is "nothing to a boss," which makes plenty of sense considering the $10.25 million he'll take home this year.

But with fines handed down based on the infraction alone, rather than a percentage of a player's salary, there are many others in the league who must watch how much they celebrate the rare opportunities in which they find the end zone.

The debate on this issue won't be settled any time soon.

- With h/t to Pro Football Talk

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