INDIANAPOLIS -- Pat McAfee will not be fined for the 9/11 cleats he wore during Sunday's game against the Lions.
McAfee announced the news on his Twitter account, in the only way he can.
Guys.. Good news.. @nflcommish is not a communist.. No fine for my American cleats thus far.. Good stuff Rog pic.twitter.com/4PrPIaNdzE
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 14, 2016
Technically, the NFL could still fine him well after the fact, but the fines come down on Monday or Tuesday.
McAfee's cleats had an American flag on one side and "9-11 NEVER FORGET" on the other. They were hand-painted by Indianapolis-based tattoo artist Nick McNulty.
Gameday vibes.. I STAND with every citizen of the greatest country on earth..
S/O ~> @mcnultyta2 for the majestic pic.twitter.com/6yeCUz27h8
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 11, 2016
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The NFL has a whole section in its rulebook about uniform policy. Basically, a player can't wear anything not issued by the team or league. The NFL must give prior approval if it comes from outside sources.
An ESPN reporter caught up with McAfee before the game and asked about his cleats.
"I know I'm gonna get fined and I don't care," McAfee said about his shoes. "Worth every penny!"
Colts punter, Pat McAfee's cleats today. He told me "I know I'm gonna get fined and I don't care!Worth every penny!" pic.twitter.com/h6xjIBw8Vl
— Ian Fitzsimmons (@Ianfitzespn) September 11, 2016
According to NFL.com, the fine for having a personal message on a player's uniform would cost them $6,076.
Across the league, other players wore similar cleats honoring 9/11 first responders and victims. Giants wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz, and Titans linebacker Avery Williamson had special gear Sunday.
Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz plan to wear special 9/11 cleats for today's season opener. pic.twitter.com/mt8uciDJ41
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 11, 2016
After all the NFL did on Sunday to remember 9/11 with tributes and pregame videos, officials apparently decided it's better to just let this one slide.
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It wouldn't have been the first time players have been fined for having their messages on their uniforms.
Last year, the NFL did fine Steelers cornerback William Gay for wearing purple cleats to raise awareness against domestic violence. His mother was killed in a domestic violence incident.
Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams was also fined last year for writing "We will find a cure" in his eyepaint after his mother died of breast cancer.
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