can we interact/use the client while we are waiting on our 20 minute penalty ?

i know im supposed to be waiting but can you at least let us talk to people,see our stats,go to the store etc,without having to stop it and start it ? if i leave queue and wait 15 -20 minutes i can but if i was AFK i cant,how does that make sense?its not much of a punish its just annoying.