The 49ers star’s nickname is “Juice”

NEED TO KNOW

• Kyle Juszczyk is appealing a nearly $15K fine from the NFL after the league said his celebration ‘could be construed as being in poor taste’
• Juszczyk, whose nickname is “Juice,” mimicked drinking from a bottle
• Jason Kelce and JJ Watt chimed into the comments in defense of Juszczyk

San Francisco 49ers star Kyle Juszczyk is appealing the NFL’s fine for his spirited touchdown celebration.

During the 49ers’ dominant 35 – 13 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 20, Juszczyk, 35, did his signature celebration: pretending to drink as he lifts his hand over his head, as an ode to his nickname, “Juice.”

On Thursday, Sept. 24, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the NFL issued a fine to Juszczyk because the league interpreted the celebration as him chugging a beer.

“Your imitation of chugging a beer constituted an offensive demonstration and could reasonably be construed as being in poor taste,” the league told Juszczyk in a letter, according to Schefter.

The fine is reportedly for $14,926, but Juszczyk has already appealed, Schefter reported.

Juszczyk reacted to Schefter’s report on X, writing, “Can’t make this stuff up.”

Juszczyk had support from fans, as well as Jason Kelce and his company Garage Beer. “We’ll pay it,” the beer brand wrote in response to Schefter’s report on X.

Kelce, 38, 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 former Eagles star followed up his own post, writing, “How dare they tarnish the legacy of this great American Full Back!!”

CBS Sports analyst and former quarterback JJ Watt said, “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?”

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Some fans pointed out that the NFL often partners with beer brands as sponsors, and questioned why Juszczyk would be fined even if the celebration was intended to mimic chugging a beer. “The NFL shoves alcohol down our throats but god forbid a player gestures drinking,” said one fan.

Another joked, “The NFL has somehow made imaginary beer more expensive than stadium beer.”

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