NFL Fines Kyle Juszczyk $14,926 for Touchdown Celebration

The NFL fined San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk $14,926 for a touchdown celebration against Miami, saying his imitation of chugging a beer was an offensive demonstration that could reasonably be considered in poor taste. Juszczyk has appealed the fine, and no decision on the appeal was reported.

The celebration followed a 6-yard touchdown reception in the 49ers’ 35-13 win over Miami. The league’s fine letter characterized the gesture as an imitation of chugging a beer. Juszczyk, whose nickname is Juice, says the pantomime represents drinking juice rather than beer.

Juszczyk’s response was conveyed in a text to NFL insider Adam Schefter: “And I don’t even drink beer!” Reports attributed the appeal to Schefter as well. The materials provided do not include a direct NFL response to Juszczyk’s explanation or additional details about what evidence the league considered.

The fine concerns a celebratory gesture rather than a hit or other on-field play. Juszczyk has used a chugging motion to celebrate touchdowns and first downs, according to the reports, but this is the first time he has been fined for that celebration. The league’s stated rationale focuses on how the gesture...