The NFL's decision to fine San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk for his Week 3 touchdown celebration drew plenty of headlines. It was a bad look for the league, which had misinterpreted the celebration.
The NFL fined Juszczyk $14,926, stating in its notice to the player, "Your imitation of chugging a beer constituted an offensive demonstration and could reasonably be construed as being in poor taste."
The only problem was that Juszczyk's celebration was an ode to his nickname, "Juice," and a demonstration he has performed for years.
Juszczyk appealed the fine, and the league ultimately rescinded it.
Additionally, many viewed the NFL penalizing a player for what it deemed "in poor taste" as hypocritical, given the league's lucrative partnerships with several companies that produce alcoholic beverages.
On Wednesday, the NFL and NFL Players Association issued a joint statement clarifying that "recent celebrations imitating drinking a beverage will not be considered violations or result in discipline."
However, the NFL made it clear that the following celebrations remain prohibited and may result in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, a fine, or both:
- Gestures that depict violence, including the use of guns or other weapons, or gang-related signs.
- Gestures that depict smoking or drug use.
- Gestures that are sexual in nature.
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