At this point, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch could very well be fined by the National Football League for sneezing the wrong way.
A day after he showed up for Super Bowl Media Day and “answered” questions from reporters, it is being reported that Lynch could face a rather lofty fine for wearing an unlicensed hat during the event.
The report comes from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Darren Rovell.
Sources tell ESPN that, after the Super Bowl, the league will review whether the hat Lynch wore during the event, which bears his “Beast Mode” logo, was permissible. If the NFL rules that Lynch used media day to promote a brand that was not approved by the league, he could face a significant fine.
While the NFL refused to comment on the situation, it’s important to note that former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urclacher was fined $100,000 during Super Bowl XLI back in 2007 for wearing a non-licensed Vitaminwater hat.
You would think the NFL has more important things to worry about, but apparently its brand is just as important as protecting the shield. I guess rules are rules. And no matter our opinion of Lynch, he’s not following said rules.
At the very least, Lynch’s use of the event and his choice of attire helped him sell-out of the hat online. That should help make up for what will likely be a pretty big fine.