NFL to fine Cameron Hayward $11,576 for honouring his late father
The league makes no exceptions to its uniform policy
.jpg)
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward has worn eye black that reads: “Ironhead.”
The simple yet touching gesture honours his late father Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, 39, who spent 11 years playing in the NFL and died from bone cancer in 2006. Unfortunately, the NFL refuses to tolerate such an extreme act of rebellion.
The first time Mr Heyward paid tribute to his father, he was fined exactly $5,787 or violating the league’s uniform policy, ESPN reports.
This time around, Heyward faces an $11,576 fine, Fox Sports reported. The league makes no exceptions when it comes to players following their uniform policy.
"The League will not grant permission for any club or player to wear, display, or otherwise convey messages, through helmet decals, arm bands, jersey patches, or other items affixed to game uniforms or equipment, which relate to political activities or causes, other non-football events, causes or campaigns, or charitable causes or campaigns," the league rulebook reads.
The NFL previously denied a similar request from his Steelers teammate DeAngelo Williams, who wanted to wear pink year-round to honour four aunts and his late mother who all died fighting breast cancer. However, Deadspin reports that the NFL had no problem parading his mother around while she was alive.
"The Carolina Panthers, Williams’s former team, brought Sandra Hill out before games in past Octobers, making her part of pregame ceremonies. When she died, though, the only person in the organization to attend her funeral was defensive end Greg Hardy."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments