The NFL won’t fine a Tennessee Titans linebacker or any other players who wore commemorative displays as part of their uniforms on Sunday – the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
It means that Titans linebacker Avery Williamson will not be fined for wearing cleats that paid tribute to the 9/11 victims and first responders during the Vikings-Titans game.
“None of the players that had 9/11 tributes were fined,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Tennessean. “We review all aspects of the weekend’s games beginning Monday. … We didn’t feel it was appropriate given the national tragedy.”
NY/NJ police unions vow to pay NFL fine if #Titans' Avery Williamson wears 9/11 cleats @AWilliamson54 https://t.co/RxSx8FezqW
— Jason Wolf🐺🌵 (@JasonWolf) September 10, 2016
Williamson and several other players including New York Giants wide receivers Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr. and Falcons receiver Mohamed Sanu wore the commemorative shoes.
ESPN’s Paul Kulharsky notes that Williamson was expecting to be fined. But had the league decided to fine Williamson, he had support. Two police union leaders from New York and Titans head coach Mike Mularkey offered to pay the fine for him.
Sports Illustrated notes the league is in the process of modifying its uniform policy to allow players to promote pre-approved charities and causes.
It is unclear when that new policy might go into effect.
