If the NBA is where amazing happens, then the NFL is where the absolutely ridiculous happens.
On Wednesday, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay was fined $5,787 by the NFL for wearing purple cleats during last Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. These cleats are the official gear of the Minnesota Vikings which is a violation of league's uniform rules. Gay's decision to wear the purple and yellow shoes doesn't come from a rebellious place. Instead, the 30-year-old defensive back was trying to bring attention to Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
When Gay was seven years old, his mother was shot and killed by his stepfather. Over the last two years, he has been wearing purple cleats during the month of October to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And his efforts go way beyond his gear. Ironically, Gay starred in an NFL PSA regarding domestic violence which aired this past weekend.
When asked about the fine, Gay acknowledges that he broke the rules, but also sees the positives that the attention can bring.
In the past, Gay has approached the league about giving players one weekend to be lenient with the uniform rules, so they can champion for a cause of their choice. Maybe the NFL should hear him out. Unless, they want to continue receiving this type of bad press.
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[via Pro Football Talk]
