San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk was fined $14,926 by the NFL for an alleged act of offensive demonstration
after pretending to chug a drink in the end zone during a 35-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The celebration occurred in the third quarter when Juszczyk caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy.
Following the score, Juszczyk embraced teammates including Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel before bringing his right hand to his mouth, tilting his head back, and miming drinking a pretend liquid. The league deemed the celebration excessive and unsportsmanlike, marking the first time Juszczyk has been fined for the pantomime.
The NFL Fine Letter and Player Reaction
According to ESPN, the fine letter sent by the league stated, Your imitation of chugging a beer constituted an offensive demonstration and could reasonably be construed as being in poor taste.
https://x.com/NBCS49ers/status/2101796028135657573
Juszczyk, who is 35 years old and has already appealed the fine, reacted to the penalty by texting NFL insider Adam Schefter to clarify, And I don’t even drink beer!
He also responded to the news on X with the post: Can’t make this stuff up.
Celebration Roots and Team Response
Juszczyk’s nickname, Juice,
was inspired by how he has long celebrated touchdowns and first downs by acting out his chugging tradition. The touchdown against Miami marked his first score of the season.
A representative for the San Francisco 49ers stated that player fines are a league-player issue, noting that the team has no involvement or awareness in that process.
