is it a penalty to take off your helmet

If you're taking it off in a non celebratory way, then no.

no why would it be?

Not if you are doing the bama bang flip.

I think it falls under the category of "equipment malfunction"


A little late with this thread eh?

Would padded leather helmets cut down on the concussion problem?
Or would it make it worse? The experts say the helmet is a weapon... Just curious.

d. A player who intentionally removes his helmet during the down commits a foul for unsportsmanlike conduct (Rule 9-2-1-a-1-i).