49ers' Kyle Juszczyk Appeals NFL Fine for 'Juice' Celebration
The fullback argues his touchdown celebration, intended to mimic drinking juice, was misinterpreted by the league as an imitation of drinking beer.
San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk is contesting a $14,296 fine levied by the NFL, which the league claims was for an "offensive demonstration and could reasonably be construed as being in poor taste." The fine stems from Juszczyk's touchdown celebration during a recent game, which the NFL interpreted as an "imitation of chugging a beer."
Juszczyk, whose jersey and nickname are both "Juice," stated that his celebration was a reference to his well-known moniker and involved miming drinking juice, not beer. "I don't even drink beer," Juszczyk said. "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. It’s been that way for years."
He also noted that he rarely consumes alcohol, typically only a few times a year in the offseason, often with teammate George Kittle. The fullback believes the NFL's interpretation is a mischaracterization, especially considering the league's own sponsorship with Bud Light.
Juszczyk has appealed the fine, along with another penalty from a Week 1 game, and a hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. He expressed frustration over being informed of the fines through media outlets and his head coach before receiving official communication from the NFL.
Teammates, including Kittle, have supported Juszczyk, humorously leaning into the situation. Kittle edited a photo of Juszczyk to include a beer, tagging the NFL's official account. Juszczyk himself set up a "NOT BEER" labeled water bottle and displayed his "Juice"-themed pads in his locker as a visual protest against the fine.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan initially thought Juszczyk was joking when he informed him of the fine, given Juszczyk's recent history with penalties. The situation has become a point of amusement and conversation among the team, with Kittle even bestowing a new nickname on Juszczyk: "Beer."