The NFL and NFLPA released a statement on what types of celebrations deserve a fine after the league received backlash for fining Kyle Juszczyk for imitating drinking a beverage
49ers star Kyle Juszczyk was fined for his drink celebration, leading to public outcry
49ers star Kyle Juszczyk was fined for his drink celebration, leading to public outcry(Image: Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
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The NFL made a major U-turn in how it determines whether a celebration warrants a fine.
The league has been under heavy scrutiny after it levied an almost $15,000 fine on San Francisco 49ers star Kyle Juszczyk for imitating a drink after a touchdown. The fine on Juszczyk, whose nickname is Juice, has received massive criticism, with many around the league pondering what constitutes a proper celebration.
After amending the situation, the NFL and the NFL Players' Association (NFLPA) released a joint statement clarifying which types of celebrations warrant a fine and which don't, following the situation the league found itself in.
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The NFL and NFLPA's statement read in part, "To clarify the line between player expression and conduct that may result in discipline, players were reminded this week that the following are 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."
The statement added that the celebrations that imitate drinking a beverage "will not be considered violations or result in discipline." "The league-wide guidance provides players with greater clarity on how they can celebrate while remaining within the rules," it continued.
"When conduct falls into a gray area, the league will contact the player and provide direction before imposing discipline. The player will be advised that continued use of the identified celebration may result in future fines."
Juszczyk celebrated a touchdown by pantomiming drinking a beverage
Juszczyk celebrated a touchdown by pantomiming drinking a beverage(Image: Getty Images)
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The statement concluded by saying that individual and team celebrations were "part of the game and help players connect with fans." "Providing clear, consistent guidance allows players to express themselves while upholding the principles of sportsmanship that have long been a hallmark of NFL football," it said.
This latest update comes after the NFL rescinded the fine levied on Juszczyk after he performed a drinking celebration after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins on September 20.
Before the fine, ESPN analyst and former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce and 49ers star Brock Purdy spoke out about the fact that Juszczyk was wrongfully penalized for something he had done, especially as it pertained to his nickname "Juice."
"How dare the NFL allege false accusations," Kelce posted on social media upon hearing the fine Juszczyk received.
"No way they can prove he was chugging alcohol. He was chugging that 'juice'.......How dare they tarnish the legacy of this great American Full Back!!"
Purdy added, "No, that’s the first time we had heard about that as players.
"Kyle does a good job of hitting stuff around the league and stuff with violent acts, stuff for scoring touchdowns, or jumping on the goalpost or whatever, and yeah, that never came up."
Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt also posted, "I’m just going to go out on a limb here…For a guy whose nickname is Juice, could it not be 'reasonably construed' that he is drinking… stay with me here… Juice?"