Kyle Juszczyk got hit with a staggering $29,852 in fines this week for celebrations after a touchdown and another big catch. The NFL says it was all for “engaging in offensive demonstrations,” specifically imitating chugging a beer. Talk about a brutal blow to the wallet for what the player himself says is a total misunderstanding.
The Double Whammy That Hit Juszczyk’s Wallet
This wasn’t just a single fine, either. Juszczyk was docked *twice* for the same type of celebration, each fine clocking in at $14,926. One came after his 6-yard touchdown reception with 5:46 left in the third quarter. The second fine, get this, was for a celebration just four plays earlier, following a 21-yard reception. So, two different plays, two nearly identical fines, for one specific gesture. It makes you wonder if the league is just watching Juszczyk with a magnifying glass. And it is not just him, either. Another 49ers player, cornerback Upton Stout, also got docked by the league.
“Juice” vs. The NFL: The Celebration Standoff
Juszczyk, understandably, is taking offense to these fines. He’s not staying quiet, pushing back hard on the NFL’s interpretation. “I wasn’t drinking beer in my celebration,” Juszczyk said via Nick Wagoner of ESPN. “I think you guys all know my nickname is Juice. I have ‘Juice’ on my pads. The stadium yells ‘Juice’ when I catch the ball. When I celebrate, I celebrate by drinking juice, and it’s been that way for years. I was as surprised as anybody when I got a fine.” This dude is literally celebrating his nickname! He’s appealing these twin fines, and it’s not his first battle with the league this season. He’s also appealing a Week 1 fine of $20,033 for unnecessary roughness and leading with his helmet against the Rams.
He’s appealing this latest double whammy, just like he’s appealing that Week 1 fine for unnecessary roughness. The NFL clearly isn’t buying his “Juice” defense, and it makes you wonder what kind of celebrations are even allowed anymore. We’ll see if the league backs down or if Juszczyk’s wallet takes another hit from these “offensive demonstrations.”
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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