The nation spoke on Tuesday, with the NFL rendering its verdict on Saturday.
Nick Bosa, the 49ers star defensive end, was fined $11,255 according to a league source for being in violation of the NFL uniform and equipment rules for wearing a hat that contained a personal message.
The hat in question displayed the message “Make America Great Again” in support of presidential candidate Donald Trump. Bosa put the hat on before he photobombed a postgame ESPN interview that included analyst Melissa Stark with quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle and running back Isaac Guerendo following a 30-24 win by the 49ers.
According to Article 8 of the NFL rulebook: the League will not grant permission for any club or player to wear, display, or otherwise convey messages . . . which relate to political activities or causes, other non-football events, causes or campaigns, or charitable causes or campaigns.”
Kittle was found in violation of the rule last season when he wore a T-shirt on the field following a win over Dallas with a profane message directed at the Cowboys. Kittle was fined $13,659.
Bosa wasn’t fined immediately, as the league waited until after the national election in which Trump defeated Kamala Harris. In any event, Bosa wasn’t too worried about it when he spoke to the media on Wednesday, the day after the election.
“If it comes, it comes,” Bosa said, adding “it would be well worth it . . clearly the nation spoke and we got what we got.”
Bosa can more than afford the fine.
Since signing a five-year extension worth a maximum of $170 million before the 2023 season, Bosa earns a salary of $1.125 million this season, or $62,500 per week spread out over 18 weeks.
When bonuses are factored in, Bosa’s average per year of $34 million ties him with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb of Dallas as the 20th highest paid player in the NFL and he remains the highest paid defensive player.
Ahead of Bosa and Lamb are Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson at No. 19 ($35 million APY). Quarterbacks, led by Dak Prescott of Dallas ($60 million APY), account for the first 18 spots and will likely be where 49ers’ quarterback Brock Purdy resides after he receivers an offseason extension from his original rookie deal.