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Browns Players Fined for Celebrations After Week-4 Win Over Steelers
By Drooid · · How we work
Celebration Fines After Browns' Week-4 Victory
Following Cleveland’s 27-24 comeback win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, four Browns players were penalized by the NFL for on-field celebrations deemed unsportsmanlike. Quarterback Deshaun Watson and rookie running back Quinshon Judkins each received fines of roughly $15,000 for a “smoking gesture” made after Watson’s touchdown pass to Judkins. Teammate Austin Barber was fined about $7,000 for a similar gesture, while defensive lineman Adin Huntington was assessed a $5,600 fine for a hip-drop tackle used on Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The penalties were issued under the league’s policy against vulgar or illegal celebrations.
Season Context and Early Success
The fines came as the Browns, under first-year head coach Todd Monken and starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, posted a 3-1 record and moved into a tie for the AFC North lead. The victory over Pittsburgh, highlighted by Watson’s 24-of-33 passing performance for 268 yards and a touchdown, marked a notable turnaround for a franchise that had struggled in recent seasons.
Details of the Fines
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the “smoking gesture” was the specific conduct cited in the fines for Watson, Judkins and Barber. The league classified the hip-drop tackle by Huntington as unsportsmanlike, assigning a $5,620 penalty. These amounts align with the NFL’s standard fine schedule for illegal celebrations and vulgar acts. Earlier in the same season, Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown received a substantially larger fine for a similar pretend-smoking celebration, illustrating the league’s consistent enforcement.
Implications for the Team
While the financial penalties are modest relative to player salaries, the fines underscore the NFL’s strict stance on celebratory conduct and may influence how the Browns approach on-field expressions in future games. The team’s early-season momentum remains intact, but the disciplinary actions serve as a reminder that celebratory gestures are closely monitored by league officials.