‘You should not lose a game because of that:’ Inside the NFL’s crackdown on taunting and how the Bears and Cassius Marsh were caught up in the sweep

CHICAGO — The defense for common sense would like to call its next witness. Would the curly haired blond fellow in the No. 59 jersey please come to the stand.

Please state your name and profession for the record.

— Witness: Cassius Lee Marsh. I’m a linebacker for the Chicago Bears.

And how many games have you played for the Bears?

— Witness: Just one. I was signed to their practice squad two weeks ago and then flexed to the active roster for that next game.

So you recall then where you were on the night of Nov. 8?

— Witness: Yes, sir. Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. “Monday Night Football.”

And do you remember where you were at approximately 11:03 p.m.?

— Witness: I do. I was in the game as a pass rusher as part of a dime package our defense was using on a key third-and-8 play.

So what happened next?

— Witness: Three of my teammates — Angelo Blackson, Mario Edwards Jr. and Robert Quinn — went after Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and pressured him. When he started scurrying up through the pocket, I looped around a block and buried him.

That felt good, didn’t it?

— Witness: Felt great.

So what did you do next?

— Witness: I did what I’ve often done in my career when I sack a quarterback. As a tribute to my younger days doing taekwondo, I did a spinning, jumping martial-arts kick to celebrate.

Just for fun?

— Witness: Yeah, man. Just for kicks.

So what did you do after your spinning kick?

— Witness: I walked about six or seven steps to my left, toward the Steelers bench, stopped between the hash marks and the numbers on the field and just stood there for a second.

How far would you say you were from the Steelers sideline?

— Witness: At least 45 feet. Maybe 60.

Did you confront any members of the Steelers?

— Witness: No, sir. Their punter was coming onto the field. But I wasn’t really near him.

Did you say anything?

—Witness: No, sir.

So you simply walked toward that bench for a few steps,