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The NFL is a business, and this particular business is one which has a uniform policy players must abide by. The uniform isn't simply the correct color jersey and helmet, but the color gloves, shoes, socks, chin strap and much more. For two members of the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive line, Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt, they found out just how serious the NFL is when it comes to their uniform policy.
Wednesday, the duo both received word from the league office they would be fined nearly $6,000 dollars ($5,787 to be exact) for multiple violations to the NFL's uniform policy.
NFL fined Cam Heyward exactly $5,787 for displaying personal message on his eye black, even if it was a tribute to his father, "Iron Head".
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 14, 2015
For Heyward, his infraction was writing the words 'IRON' and 'HEAD' on two eye black strips in honor of his father who passed away from cancer a few years ago.
Got fined for honoring my Dad who bravely fought cancer on my eye black. #Nevergiveup #CancerSucks pic.twitter.com/RTx988ijG9
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) October 14, 2015
For Tuitt, his infraction was more of the ridiculous variety, as if that were possible after Heyward's fine. Tuitt was fined the same amount, $5,787 dollars, for the fact his undershirt was untucked throughout the Monday Night Football game against the San Diego Chargers in Week 5.
Steelers DE Stephon Tuitt's fine for having shirt untucked during SD game is $5,787. He said he will appeal.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) October 14, 2015
Yes, Stephon Tuitt is now nearly $6,000 dollars poorer for having his shirt untucked during a prime time game. Say what you want, but it sure makes casual Friday at your work seem a lot simpler than the NFL's strict uniform policy. The NFL's uniform policy has been harshly criticized throughout the media for it's lack of common sense, and almost military like policies.
As I'm sure both Tuitt and Heyward will appeal the fines, the NFL is letting players know the policy is in place for a reason, whether they like it or not.