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NFL Scraps Fine for 'Juice Box' Celebration
8 Oct
Summary
- Kyle Juszczyk's fine for a touchdown celebration was rescinded by the NFL.
- The league initially deemed the gesture a beer-chugging imitation.
- Juszczyk successfully argued it represented drinking juice from a juice box.
The NFL has rescinded a $14,926 fine issued to San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk. The penalty was for a touchdown celebration during the team's September 20 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Initially, the league determined Juszczyk's gesture was an "offensive demonstration" simulating beer-chugging. However, Juszczyk appealed, explaining that the celebration was a long-standing reference to his nickname, "Juice," and involved pretending to drink from a juice box.
His explanation was accepted, leading the NFL to withdraw the fine. Juszczyk even noted the hypocrisy of the penalty, given the league's sponsorship deals with Bud Light. Fellow NFL players, including JJ Watt and Jason Kelce, had defended Juszczyk, questioning the league's interpretation of his celebration.
Following this incident, the NFL and NFL Players Association have clarified that celebrations mimicking drinking any beverage will not be treated as violations.
