NFL players of the world, drink up!

Celebrations may include the miming of the consumption of a beverage without fear that the league will impose discipline for the player pretending to drink the official beer of the NFL.

In a joint statement issued by the league and the NFL Players Association, it was explained that celebrations including “imitating drinking a beverage” will not be considered a violation.

Here’s the full text of the statement:

“Football is the greatest game in the world. NFL players are admired by millions of fans, including young people competing at every level of the sport.

“The passion emotion, and personality players bring to the field are a big part of what makes the game special and connects them with fans worldwide. Good sportsmanship is equally important:

“To clarify the line between player expression and conduct that may result in discipline, players were reminded this week that the following are prohibited and may result in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, a fine, or both:

“Gestures that depict violence, including the use of guns or other weapons, or gang-related signs.

“Gestures that depict smoking or drug use.

“Gestures that are sexual in nature.

“Conversely, recent celebrations imitating drinking a beverage will not be considered violations or result in discipline. The league-wide guidance provides players with greater clarity on how they can celebrate while remaining within the rules.

“When conduct falls into a gray area, the league will contact the player and provide direction before imposing discipline. The player will be advised that continued use of the identified celebration may result in future fines.

“Individual and team celebrations are part of the game and help players connect with fans. Providing clear, consistent guidance allows players to express themselves while upholding the principles of sportsmanship that have long been a hallmark of NFL football.”

Beyond eliminating the Church Lady-style sensitivity to a drinking-based celebration, the league has adopted a new approach to celebrations that don’t clearly violate the rules. In lieu of a fine, the league will communicate with the player. If the NFL decides that the celebration will not be allowed, the player will be fined only if he thereafter continues to do it.

It’s the right result, even if it makes the sudden rash of celebration fines after Week 2 seem even more abrupt, unexpected, and flat-out bizarre.