The NFL reportedly fined 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk $14,926 and Colts guard Matt Goncalves $8,847 for beer-chugging celebrations; Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown received four fines totaling $56,000 for apparent smoking gestures. Juszczyk and St. Brown are appealing.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the fines for Juszczyk and Goncalves. The NFL’s letters called imitating a beer chug an “offensive demonstration” that could reasonably be construed as “in poor taste.” Juszczyk made the gesture after a 6-yard touchdown in San Francisco’s 35–13 win over Miami. After Colts teammate Tyler Warren scored against Kansas City, Warren mimed opening a can and handing it to Goncalves to chug.
The Detroit News reported St. Brown mimed inhaling four times against Buffalo—once after a touchdown and three times after first downs; he said he will appeal. Juszczyk says he does not drink beer, a claim teammate George Kittle backed up. His appeal goes to one of three NFL/NFLPA-appointed officers; the ruling is final and binding. He was fined $20,033 in Week 1 for using his helmet while blocking. Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase said the NFL fined him for The Rock’s “People’s Elbow” after a Houston touchdown; he described it as a wrestling move, and no amount was stated.
