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.