NFL Says No Fines For ‘I Can’t Breathe’ Players

The NFL declined to fine any of the several players who wore variations of the “I can’t breathe” message last week during game time.

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Last week, several players, including Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush, wore variations of the “I can’t breathe” message on their equipment. Bush wore his on a t-shirt during pregame warmups and another player, St. Louis Rams guard Davin Joseph, wore it on his shoes. The NFL declined to fine any of the players for expressing their support in the controversial death of Eric Garner, according to Pro Football Talk.

Typically uniform violations are fined when they occur during an actual game, not during pregame warmups, as was the case with Bush. For many players this has been Beats headphones they can wear freely without having to cover the logos, as is otherwise mandated by the NFL because of their deal with Bose.

During games is when the fines for uniform violations generally come down. In general, it’s not recommended. However, the NFL has shown discretion on when they decide to fine these violations.

Obviously Joseph is an example of this as he wore the “I can’t breathe” message on his shoes. On the other hand, former Houston Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson was once fined for wearing the message “Pay me Rick” on his shoes. The slogan was a message to the team’s general manager, Rick Smith.

Similar to the “hands up” gesture the Rams players did in a previous week and were not fined, the NFL has clearly chosen to remain on the sidelines for these hot button issues.

The NFL declined to fine any of the several players who wore variations of the “I can’t breathe” message last week during game time.

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