The fine issued to Quinshon Judkins highlights the NFL's strict stance on provocative celebrations, regardless of context. For players like Judkins, it’s a costly lesson in professional decorum that impacts both their pockets and team optics.
PERFORMANCENFL
NFL reportedly fines Browns QB Deshaun Watson, RB Quinshon Judkins more than $14K for smoking gesture in win over Steelers
Watson and Judkins were among the Cleveland players who participated in the celebratory gesture following a Judkins touchdown in the second quarter During a season in which the NFL saw the most accepted penalties through Week 4 since play-by-play data became available in 1978, per ESPN, celebrations have resulted in an array of flags and subsequent fines. Although the NFL and NFL Players Association released a joint statement this week clarifying that celebrations "imitating drinking a beverage" won't be considered violations, they outlined other gestures that are prohibited and can lead to a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, fine or both. Those are gestures that depict violence, smoking or drug use or are sexual in nature. And on Saturday, a report from NFL insider Tom Pelissero surfaced, noting that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Quinshon Judkins have each been fined more than $14,000 by the league for a smoking gesture during a 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on "Thursday Night Football" in Week 4. The celebration occurred in the aftermath of Judkins' go-ahead 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter at Cleveland's Huntington Bank Field. The NFL hit Watson with a $14,926 fine and Judkins with a $14,397 fine, technically for "illegal celebrations and vulgar acts," Pelissero reported for The Ringer and Netflix.
By Andy BackstromOctober 10, 2026Yahoo Sports
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