NFL and NFLPA Come Together to Announce Clarification on Celebrations Rules for Players

Although some days it doesn’t seem like it, NFL games are meant to be fun and celebratory. When a player gets a big score or makes a critical tackle, they just want to acknowledge their contribution to the game. But in the past few days some fines were issued to players for their celebrations. Both Kyle Juszczyk of the San Franciso 49ers and Jake Ferguson of the Dallas Cowboys were fined for their celebrations. However, after some consultation, the NFL and NFLPA have come together to announce clarification on celebration rules for players.

Initially, the league had fined both players for their drinking simulation celebrations. However, both players appealed the fines they were handed for doing so. Juszczyk explained that his celebration intimated him drinking out of a juice box, referencing his “Juice” nickname. Ferguson offered a similar explanation. He stated that his actions were a “Gatorade celebration that he previously had done on multiple occasions in practice.

Apparently, their explanations were good enough to move the NFL appeals officer to rescind the fines. It was stated that, “because his celebration was simulating drinking a juice box, not a beer. … Mr. Juszczyk finally stated that the fine is hypocritical with the amount of Bud Light sponsorships surrounding the NFL.”

Since both players have had their fines of $14,926 for Juszczyk and $13,611 for Ferguson rescinded it became necessary to reexamine the rules. Which is what the NFL and NFLPA did and have released a statement about the changes.

According to the release, players were reminded that the following could result in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, a fine or both:

• Gestures that depict violence, including the use of guns or other weapons, or gang-related signs.
• Gestures that depict smoking or drug use.
• Gestures that are sexual in nature.

NFL and NFLPA Come Together to Announce Clarification on Celebrations Rules for Players

Most notably, the joint statement says,

“Imitating drinking a beverage will not be considered violations or result in discipline.”

Considering the NFL always seems to be more than willing to fine players for just about anything that has to be music to their ears. Cracking down on player celebrations just adds to the reason why people say NFL means No Fun League. If players want to celebrate their accomplishments, they should be able to do so within reason of course.

We’re happy for Juszczyk and Ferguson for having their fines rescinded. However, Indianapolis Colts guard Matt Goncalves was also fined for what the league believed was a beer-shotgunning celebration. Goncalves hilariously said he was actually imitating drinking “an ice cold Coca-Cola,” so maybe he’ll get his taken back, too. As of yet that hasn’t happened. But thanks to the new rules it will most likely be gone too.

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