Kyle Juszczyk appeals $14,926 fine after NFL calls his celebration ‘in poor taste’
San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk just got a $14,926 bill from the NFL for drinking a beer that never existed. During the 49ers’ 35-13 win over the Miami Dolphins on September 20, Juszczyk celebrated a touchdown with his signature move: pretending to chug a drink. The fine letter, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, said Juszczyk violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which is “engaging in offensive demonstrations. Juszczyk, a 10-time Pro Bowler who’s been doing this celebration for years without so much as a warning, just became the latest name on that list.
This time, the league decided it was “in poor taste” and fined him for it. Here’s the twist nobody at the league office seemed to clock: Juszczyk “ doesn’t even drink beer.” as he claims. The celebration has always been a nod to his nickname “Juice,” not an actual drinking impression. It’s giving “No Fun League” energy: the NFL has a long history of fining players for beer-themed celebrations; Marcus Peters, Stefon Diggs , and Eric Fisher have all paid the price for it before.
It’s an ode to his nickname, “Juice. He’s done it for years. Juszczyk’s response was four words: “Can’t make this stuff up. The exact line from the league: “Your imitation of chugging a beer constituted an offensive demonstration and could reasonably be construed as being in poor taste. Juszczyk has already filed an appeal. He’ll get a hearing with one of the NFL’s designated appeals officers: Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, or James Thrash. Two unrelated fines, same bizarre offense, same week.