Cleveland Browns players fined for fake smoking celebrations

The National Football League has fined three Cleveland Browns players for engaging in a simulated smoking celebration after a touchdown. The discipline follows a review of on-field conduct during a recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where specific gestures were deemed to violate league guidelines.

Running back Quinshon Judkins and quarterback Deshaun Watson were each assessed a fine of $14,397. Guard Austin Barber, who also participated in the imitation of smoking, was fined $6,944. The incidents occurred in the second quarter of the matchup between the Browns and their division rival, the Steelers.

This ruling arrives shortly after the league rescinded previous fines levied against San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson. Those players had been penalized for pretending to consume an imaginary drink. Following a meeting with the NFL Players Association, the league determined that drinking celebrations were permissible, but it maintained its prohibition on smoking-related gestures.

The distinction between these two types of simulated celebrations has created a clear regulatory boundary for players. While the league has signaled flexibility regarding alcohol mimicry, it has drawn a firm line against the imitation of smoking. The fines announced on Saturday serve to reinforce this specific rule set, leaving no ambiguity for future celebrations in the end zone.