It may be surprising to learn that performing a horse-collar tackle will cost an NFL player over $17,000 in fines (on top of the in-game penalty), but it's hard to argue with incentives to keep players safe. Then there are other, non-safety-related fines that the NFL continues to levy just because.
Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett was $5,787 fined in Week 4 for wearing cleats that, according to Bennett, the NFL deemed "too black."
That's not to say Bennett was surprised. After all, the designated shoe color for the Bears this season is white, per NFL mandates, so he was knowingly breaking the dress code. He wasn't trying to earn style points, he was doing so for health reasons. His persistent foot problems have made him consider an Air Jordan cleat that doesn't come in white.
He's not the first victim of the NFL's strict uniform policy and he certainly won't be the last. Other notable fines have included: $10,500 to Frank Gore for wearing his socks too low; and a similar amount to Cam Newton for wearing Under Armour visor clips that were barely noticeable to the naked eye.
Bennett was not pleased with the fine and has been vocal about it. He also noted that he can’t forfeit more money to the league because he wants to be able to pay for his daughter’s Harvard education some day.
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