Browns players hit with fines for pretending to smoke after scoring a touchdown
Cleveland Browns Players Fined for Pretended Smoking Celebrations
The NFL announced that three Cleveland Browns players will pay fines for celebrating a touchdown with a pretend smoking gesture after the team’s victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In the second quarter of last week’s divisional matchup, running back Quinshon Judkins crossed the goal line for a touchdown. Instead of a conventional celebration, Judkins mimicked puffing on an invisible cigar, a move that drew the attention of league officials. Quarterback Deshaun Watson and guard Austin Barber later joined in the mock smoking display. The NFL subsequently fined Judkins and Watson $14,397 each and Barber $6,944.
The fines were confirmed on Saturday, with the league’s disciplinary committee issuing a statement that “players must refrain from smoking or any related celebration after scoring.” The penalties are part of the NFL’s broader effort to enforce its policy that prohibits the use of tobacco or drug imagery during gameplay and celebrations.
The Browns’ victory over the Steelers was the team’s third straight win. A late field goal secured the win, preventing a Thursday night showdown between the Steelers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ team from turning into a win for the visiting squad. Cleveland’s defensive line held Pittsburgh’s offense to a limited yardage total, while the offense managed 28 points.
The league’s stance on celebration infractions has evolved in recent years. Earlier this season, the NFL rescinded penalties that had been imposed on 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson for simulating the consumption of an imaginary alcoholic beverage. After consultations with the NFL Players Association, the league clarified that drinking celebrations—whether with real or imaginary beverages—are now permissible. However, smoking celebrations remain disallowed, and the league has indicated it will continue to monitor compliance with its anti‑tobacco policy.
“This is not a new rule,” said an NFL spokesperson. “The league has always prohibited players from using tobacco or drug imagery in celebrations. We are simply enforcing the existing policy.”
The penalties were issued after an internal review of the video footage captured at the game, which showed the players’ gestures in full view of the stadium lights and television cameras. The NFL’s fine amounts vary depending on the nature of the infraction and the number of prior offenses. For Judkins and Watson, the larger fine reflects the higher profile of the players and the clear violation of the policy. Barber’s fine was lower, in line with his role and the nature of the action.
The Browns’ coaching staff emphasized that the team remains committed to upholding the NFL’s standards. Head coach Robert Saleh said in a post‑game interview that he would “work with the players to make sure everyone understands what is and isn’t allowed.”
Players who have previously been penalized for similar conduct—such as the 49ers and Cowboys incidents—have expressed confusion about the distinction between drinking and smoking celebrations. The league has issued a clarifying memo, stating that “any act that mimics or signifies the use of tobacco or any related paraphernalia, even if the item is imaginary, will result in a fine.”
The fines are expected to be paid in the next scheduled payment cycle. The Browns have not indicated whether the players will appeal the decision or seek a reduction.
The incident highlights the NFL’s ongoing efforts to maintain a public image that is free of tobacco references, while also balancing players’ expressive freedoms. As the league moves toward a stricter enforcement of its anti‑tobacco policy, the Browns’ case serves as a cautionary tale for other players looking to celebrate in creative, yet rule‑compliant, ways.
