THE NFL has revealed its plans on what they want to do with San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa after he made a political statement on live TV.
Bosa created controversy for crashing a postgame interview after the 49ers‘ win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 8.
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San Francisco 49ers star pass rusher Nick Bosa lines up during the Week 8 game against the Dallas CowboysCredit: Getty
Bosa wore a MAGA hat to a postgame interview following the 49ers victoryCredit: NFL
NBC’s Kathryn Tappen was interviewing George Kittle and Brock Purdy when Bosa sprinted in the back of the latter player and pointed to his head.
The cameras showed him rocking a white “Make America Great Again” hat, which is a rallying cry for presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Bosa’s live TV sequence has caused the NFL to review the situation, per the Washington Post.
Mark Maske of the Washington Post reported that Bosa will not face a suspension but he could be fined and that the decision is expected to take place next week.
The All-Pro defensive end Bosa violated the league’s rules.
According to Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8 of the NFL rulebook, the entire time a player is “visible to the stadium and television audience,” they 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 NFL also has a strict policy against political statements.
“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.”
CBS’ Jonathan Jones also reported that the league will look into the Bosa situation and that “there will not be a determination on any potential fine until later next week.”
Jones then added that “there is no consideration for any potential suspension.”
According to the NFL’s website, first-time offenders of the “personal messages” policy can be fined $11,255.
The policy was broken this season in Week 5 when Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver George Pickens wrote “always f***ing open” on his eyeblack.
Pickens was fined $10,231 for that violation of the policy.
Bosa was asked about wearing the hat in his own post-game presser.
Bosa speaking to reporters after last weekend’s gameCredit: AP
“I’m not going to talk too much about it,” he said.
“But I think it’s an important time.”
Bosa and the 4-4 49ers have a bye week in Week 9.
They will then face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 10.