NFL Rescinds Kyle Juszczyk’s Celebration Fine

The NFL has rescinded a fine imposed on San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk for a touchdown celebration after concluding that he was miming drinking from a juice box, not chugging beer, according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter. Juszczyk appealed the penalty, which followed his celebration after a Week 2 touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. The league’s stated rationale was that the gesture simulated drinking a juice box. Juszczyk, whose nickname is Juice, had told reporters that he intended to mime drinking juice and had celebrated that way for years. He also argued that the fine was hypocritical given the NFL’s beer sponsorships, according to Schefter’s account. The rescission was reported Wednesday, October 7. Reports differ on the amount of the fine, giving figures of $14,926 and $14,296. The available accounts do not resolve the discrepancy. The penalty concerned Juszczyk’s celebration, not a separate fine he received for a Week 1 helmet-related play. One report said he intended to appeal that separate penalty as well; the league’s decision to rescind the celebration fine does not establish any change to the other fine.