The NFL and NFLPA announced a joint statement Wednesday clarifying that player celebrations imitating drinking a beverage will no longer result in fines or discipline. In Week 2, multiple players, including 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, Colts guard Matt Goncalves and Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson, were fined after performing such celebrations. An appeals officer rescinded the fines for Juszczyk and Ferguson earlier Wednesday as the league and players' association worked out a solution.
"The league-wide guidance provides players with greater clarity on how they can celebrate while remaining within the rules," the statement said. Prohibited celebrations include gestures depicting violence, drug use, or sexual content. The NFLPA noted 20 celebration fines in Weeks 2 and 3, calling it "an unusual spike." According to NFLPA executive director JC Tretter, all fined players appealed, with some already overturned.
The league will now contact players before disciplining them for conduct in a "gray area." Juszczyk and teammates expressed relief, with linebacker Fred Warner joking, "I guess I've got to start thinking of my celebrations for this week pertaining to drinks."
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing