49ers Defensive Lineman Nick Bosa is to be Punished for Sporting a “Make America Great Again” Hat
Nick Bosa, the San Francisco 49ers Defensive Lineman, made quite a bit of ruckus following Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
After the game, Nick Bosa decided to crash his teammate, quarterback Brock Purdy’s on-field interview while wearing a hat with the acronym “MAGA” splayed across the front. “MAGA” stands for “Make America Great Again”, the famous catchphrase associated with former United States President Donald Trump and his campaigns.
Seeing as Trump is running for President once again, and is famously hated for his failure to provide assistance during 2021’s insurrection on the Capitol, many fans are less than happy about Bosa’s choice in headwear. However, they are not the only ones unhappy and disappointed with Bosa’s actions.
Nick Bosa may be facing fines from the NFL as a result of the fashion choices he made following Sunday’s game. The NFL has strict rules regarding the proper attire to be worn surrounding gameday. The official rulebook states in Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8 that:
“Throughout the period on game day that a player is visible to the stadium and television audience (including pregame warm-ups, in the bench area, and during postgame interviews in the locker room or on the field), players are prohibited from wearing, displaying, or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the League office.”
The rules continue on to ban things such as arm bands, helmet decals, and jersey patches, unless previously approved. However, Bosa not only wore an unapproved hat, but one associated with politics which, in the next section of this rule, is strictly prohibited under all circumstances.
“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, mouthpieces, 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.”
While the league DOES allow coaches and players to discuss politics during press conferences, the rule regarding anyone wearing anything associated with politics is extremely clear.
How Much Will Nick Bosa be Fined?
While the amount for which Bosa will be fined has not been officially released, it can be guessed to be in the range of ten-thousand dollars.
Players who have previously been fined for wearing un-authorized apparel such as quarterback Robert Griffin (Commanders) and receiver George Pickens (Pittsburgh Steelers) were each fined $10,000 for their offenses. However, their offenses were not associated with politics in any way.
Although many are upset at Nick Bosa for confidently displaying his “MAGA” hat on television, others are supporting the Defensive Lineman. Brian Urlacher (NFL Hall of Famer) supported Bosa through Instagram by commenting on a photo Bosa shared where he is wearing the Trump hat. Urlacher’s comment read: “MAGA” alongside two American Flag emojis. However, there are still plenty nasty comments being left under the photo.
Bosa made a short comment following this event stating:
“I’m not gonna talk too much about it, but I think it’s an important time.”
He didn’t explain or go into further detail about the situation, but it is clear that he is not ashamed of his political stance.
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