Browns Players Fined for Mimicking Smoking in Touchdown Celebrations
NFL penalizes Deshaun Watson and teammates for end zone antics that mirrored smoking, contrasting with recent leniency on drinking celebrations.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Quinshon Judkins have each been fined $14,397 by the NFL for their touchdown celebration during a recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Guard Austin Barber also received a $6,944 fine for participating in the act, which involved players mimicking the act of smoking.
The fines follow an incident in the second quarter where Judkins scored a touchdown. Watson and Barber then joined in a celebration that appeared to imitate smoking.
This disciplinary action contrasts with recent NFL decisions regarding other types of celebrations. The league recently rescinded fines for San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson, who had been penalized for pretending to drink from an imaginary beverage. Following discussions with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), the league indicated that drinking-related celebrations would be permissible. However, the Browns players' actions, interpreted as mimicking smoking, were deemed in violation of league rules.
The distinction between acceptable and unacceptable celebrations has become a point of discussion, particularly as players test the boundaries of expression after scoring. While the NFL has allowed for gestures related to drinking, the imitation of smoking remains prohibited and subject to fines.