NFL Cancels $14,926 Fine for Kyle Juszczyk After Celebration Review

The NFL rescinded a $14,926 penalty against Kyle Juszczyk after confirming his celebration imitated drinking juice.

The NFL has rescinded a $14,926 fine previously issued to San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk. The league withdrew the penalty after determining that Juszczyk was simulating drinking a juice box rather than chugging a beer during a Week 2 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The incident occurred with just under eight minutes remaining in the third quarter, and the league initially cited a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1.

Juszczyk, whose nickname is "Juice," contested the fine by highlighting that his thigh pads are emblazoned with a juice box and that fans routinely yell his nickname during games. During a media session on September 24, the fullback displayed a jug labeled "Not Beer" to clarify the nature of his celebration. He also described the fine as hypocritical given the league's numerous sponsorships with Bud Light.

ESPN reports that Juszczyk was first notified of the league's disciplinary action by head coach Kyle Shanahan. The league officially acknowledged the misunderstanding, noting the celebration was a play on the player's long-standing nickname rather than a prohibited imitation of alcohol consumption.