The delay was allegedly due to Bosa's decision to sport a "Make America Great Again" cap during a postgame interview on NBC, following a victory over the Cowboys on October 27.
According to The New York Post, the NFL chose to postpone the fine, amounting to $11,255, to avoid the impression of making an anti-Donald Trump statement before the presidential election on November 5. This decision was made despite the fact that Bosa's action was a clear violation of the NFL's rules.
The NFL's rulebook, specifically Rule 5, section 4, article 8, stipulates that players are prohibited from "wearing, displaying, or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration" during the period they are visible to the stadium and television audience. This includes pregame warm-ups, the bench area, and postgame interviews in the locker room or on the field, unless the message has been pre-approved by the League office.
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The rule further states that the NFL will not grant permission for teams or players 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."
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News of Bosa's fine became public on Saturday, a full 13 days after he wore the controversial hat on television. This is a departure from the norm, as such fines are typically assessed less than a week after the offense. For instance, Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was fined on October 12 for wearing eye black with an inappropriate message during a game against the Cowboys just six days earlier.
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Despite the risk, Bosa, 27, seemed unphased by the potential fine, telling reporters, "it was well worth it." The four-time Pro Bowler, who has 5.5 sacks in nine games this season, paid tribute to Trump with a sack dance on Sunday. Trump reciprocated the admiration, praising the former Ohio State star in a post on Truth Social, stating, "NICK BOSA IS A GREAT PLAYER."
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This incident underscores the tension between individual freedom of expression and the need for organizations to maintain a politically neutral stance, a balance that continues to be a point of contention in various professional sports leagues.
