The No Fun League Strikes a Local Player

Former Eastport-South Manor standout and Manorville native Matt Goncalves found himself at the center of a national NFL controversy this past week, and this time it had nothing to do with a hit, a penalty or anything that happened between the lines.

Goncalves, the Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle, was fined $8,847 by the NFL for a celebration following teammate Tyler Warren’s 1-yard touchdown catch in the Colts’ overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

So what did Goncalves do to earn the league’s attention?

He pretended to take a drink.

That’s it.

Goncalves was among several NFL players fined this week for celebrations that appeared to imitate chugging a beverage. Kyle “Juice” Juszczyk of the San Francisco 49ers was also fined for a similar celebration. Juszczyk pointed out that his nickname is “Juice,” arguing that his celebration was meant to represent juice.

According to the NFL, however, imitating chugging a beer is considered to be “in poor taste.”

Goncalves had a different explanation.

“I’d like to think it’s an ice-cold Coca-Cola,” the former ESM star said.

Goncalves also took the fine in stride, even though he clearly would have preferred to keep the money in his pocket.

“I was obviously disappointed,” Goncalves said. “We were out there celebrating, having a good time. Gotta respect their decision.”

His Colts teammate Jonathan Taylor also joined in on the fun, posting on social media that it was “a fresh league-sponsored Pepsi.”

The situation quickly sparked plenty of discussion online, with fans pointing out the apparent irony of the NFL penalizing players for mimicking a beverage while the league prominently features beer sponsors throughout its broadcasts, stadiums and postgame coverage.

For Goncalves, this was certainly an unusual way to make national headlines. The Manorville native has worked his way from the local fields of Eastport-South Manor to the NFL, and now even his touchdown celebrations are attracting attention.

Whether the NFL ultimately changes its mind remains to be seen, but for a player simply trying to celebrate a big moment with his teammates, this certainly seems like an expensive sip.