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The NFL is serious about its strict enforcement of its illegal celebration rules, even when it comes to the pretend chugging of 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
The league fined Juszczyk $14,926 for a celebration during Sunday’s win over the Dolphins in which Juszczyk motioned as if he was drinking a beverage, two sources confirmed to Front Office Sports.
Juszczyk is appealing the fine, one of those sources also confirmed.
The 10-time Pro Bowler also seemed to confirm the fine on social media. He wrote, “Can’t make this stuff up …” in response to a tweet by ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting the fine.
Juszczyk, nicknamed “Juice,” has used the celebration previously during his career. He texted to ESPN, “I don’t even drink beer.”
The NFL cited Juszczyk for engaging in an offensive celebration by doing an imitation of chugging a beer.
“Can confirm he doesn’t really drink beer but is a good guy,” 49ers tight end George Kittle wrote on social media.
Others defended Juszczyk.
“I’m just going to go out on a limb here … For a guy whose nickname is Juice, could it not be ‘reasonably construed’ that he is drinking … stay with me here … Juice?” former NFL star pass rusher J.J. Watt, now an NFL analyst for CBS, wrote.
Former Eagles center Jason Kelce, now with ESPN, wrote: “Juszczyk should threaten to counter sue for defamation. How dare the NFL allege false accusations. No way they can prove he was chugging alcohol. He was chugging that ‘juice.’ ”
The NFL declined to comment on the fine.
FOS reported last month that the NFL would continue to stress strict enforcement of its sportsmanship-related rules this season.
That means keeping a close eye on players violating the league’s rules prohibiting taunting opponents, illegal celebrations and fighting, at the behest of the NFL’s competition committee.
The 49ers declined comment Thursday through a spokesperson. The NFL Players Association also declined to comment.
The league also fined Colts offensive lineman Matt Goncalves $8,847 for an illegal celebration during Sunday night’s loss to the Chiefs in which he allegedly feigned chugging a beer by pretending to pop the top off the football, ESPN reported.
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