NFL withdraws $14,926 fine against 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk after appeal
The league rescinded a fine imposed on San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk for an on-field celebration that mimicked chugging a beer, after he appealed and explained the act was a juice-drinking gesture.
The National Football League announced Wednesday that it has cancelled a $14,926 fine levied on San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk for an "offensive demonstration" during the team's Week 2 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The fine, issued on Sept. 23, cited a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which prohibits unsportsmanlike conduct.
Juszczyk appealed the penalty, arguing that his celebration was a long-standing routine in which he pretended to drink juice, not beer. The player, a Harvard graduate in his 14th season, said the nickname "Juice" is associated with his on-field persona and that the gesture has been part of his celebrations for years.
"I wasn’t drinking beer in my celebration," Juszczyk told reporters at the 49ers practice facility. "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 the way for years."
The league confirmed that the fine was withdrawn following the appeal. The 49ers and Juszczyk did not provide further comment on the decision.