NFLPA: Players weren't told beer-chugging celebrations would be fined

The NFL Players Association says it was blindsided by the league's decision to fine players for beer-chugging celebrations, and it's now working with the NFL on how to resolve the fines.

"The players nor the union were given notice that these acts would constitute a fine," an NFLPA spokesperson told Pro Football Talk. "In some instances players have been doing these same celebrations for years and they have never been an issue."

This week the league fined 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, Colts guard Matt Goncalves and Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson for celebrations that mimicked drinking an invisible beverage. The combined total of those fines — $37,384 — was even the subject of a Bud Light promotion, with the NFL's official beer sponsor opening a "Celly Jar" and giving fans that exact amount to celebrate.

The union's point is that the crackdown came without warning. Juszczyk, for example, was photographed doing the same celebration in a 2022 game, and it was never an issue then. The NFLPA said it is "working with the league on how to resolve the fines from last week and how to ensure players have proper notice going forward."

The best outcome, from the union's perspective, would be to suspend the fines and reach an agreement on the celebrations moving forward. For now, the dispute highlights a growing tension between the league's enforcement and the players' long-standing celebration habits.