Bosa's bold political statement on national TV has ignited debate over athletes' roles in political discourse.
Oct 27, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Nick Bosa (97) celebrates as he leaves the field after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
According to The Washington Post, the NFL is “reviewing” the incident involving 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa and his “Make America Great Again” hat, which he sported on the field after Sunday night’s victory over the Cowboys.
“Make America Great Again”—in case you’ve been off the grid for nearly a decade—is the slogan of three-time presidential hopeful Donald Trump.
Nick Bosa jumped into NBC’s Melissa Stark’s post-game interview with 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and running back Isaac Guerendo, drawing attention to the hat. It wasn’t immediately clear what it said since the gold lettering on white fabric wasn’t the easiest to read.
According to Maske, there’s no suspension on the table for Bosa, but a fine might be in the cards. He also noted that any decision won’t come until next week.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported Friday that the NFL is “looking into” the situation.
NFL rules ban political messaging at games
The NFL’s regulations are clear: players cannot “wear, display, or otherwise convey messages, through helmet decals, armbands, jersey patches, mouthpieces, or other items affixed to game uniforms or equipment, which relate to political activities or causes” while they’re at the stadium on game days.
(If only we could apply that same restriction to election ads—they’re practically nonstop on NFL broadcasts in the months leading up to the vote.)
CBS indicated that the league’s decision on whether to fine Bosa might only come after the presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris this Tuesday.
During Sunday’s media session, Bosa declined to elaborate on his choice of headwear.
The league has previously fined players for personal messages
The NFL previously hit Pittsburgh Steelers receiver George Pickens with a $10,000 fine for displaying a personal message on his eye black during an Oct. 6 game against the Cowboys.
Pickens had written “Open F**ing Always”* across the white tape under his eyes. He claimed he didn’t realize the message was against NFL rules.
“Never seen it before,” he said. “Have you seen it before?”
A reporter reminded him that teammate Cameron Heyward had been fined in 2015 for writing his late father’s name on his eye black.
“Years ago?” Pickens replied. “When I wasn’t in the league? So, nah.”
Pickens insisted his message had no particular meaning.
In the meantime, Bosa isn’t the only outspoken Trump supporter in the NFL. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker endorsed Trump earlier this year, while Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Thomas Booker IV has supported Vice President Kamala Harris publicly.
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Image Credit: © Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
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