San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk has appealed a $14,926 National Football League (NFL) fine over a drinking celebration. Speaking on Thursday, he said the gesture represented juice, not beer.
NFL officials interpreted his celebration during the win against the Miami Dolphins as mimicking beer drinking. They cited Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which covers unsportsmanlike conduct.
Juszczyk responded with props before addressing reporters at his locker after practice. He displayed a jug labelled Not Beer alongside a thigh pad featuring a juice-box graphic.
“I wasn’t drinking beer in my celebration,” he said.
His explanation centred on his nickname, Juice. Fans chant it when he catches the ball, and he described the drinking gesture as a celebration he has used for years.
Earlier, Juszczyk challenged the punishment on X by sharing journalist Adam Schefter’s post about the fine. He expressed disbelief at the decision.
League officials cited a gesture with just under eight minutes remaining in the third quarter. Their notice reminded players to uphold standards of sportsmanship and conduct that reflect positively on the game.
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A separate appeal concerns a $20,033 fine for unnecessary roughness and leading with his helmet against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1. Juszczyk expects a hearing on both penalties on September 29.
(With input from ESPN)
