The NFL just dropped the hammer on three Browns players, including quarterback Deshaun Watson, for a touchdown celebration that got a little too creative. These guys got hit with fines for what the league is calling an “apparent passing of an imaginary marijuana cigarette” right there on the field.
The Play That Cost Them Big Bucks
It all went down in Week 4 after running back Quinshon Judkins punched it in for a second-quarter touchdown against the Steelers. You gotta wonder what was going through their minds, because video of the celebration clearly shows Judkins taking an imaginary puff and passing it to guard Austin Barber, then Judkins takes another puff and passes to Watson. Seriously? With all the eyes on the game, you’d think they’d know the rules. Watson and Judkins were each slapped with a hefty $14,397 fine for the infraction, while Barber got off a little lighter at $6,944. This was the *only* celebration fined in Week 4, which just puts a spotlight on it even more.
The League’s Stance Is Clear: Don’t Mess With This
Look, the NFL and NFL Players Association put out a joint statement not too long ago about impermissible celebrations, and it couldn’t be clearer: players will still get fined for, well, “joints.” While that same recent statement actually *allows* drinking celebrations now, anything that depicts smoking or drug use is still strictly off limits. This isn’t some gray area. The league is drawing a line in the sand, and these fines prove they’re not messing around. It’s a stark reminder that while players can have fun out there, there are still boundaries, and crossing them comes with a price tag.
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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