Marshawn Lynch could be Fined for “Beast Mode” Hat

Marshawn Lynch just can’t seem to catch a break.

I’m sure you recall the many interviews where he, at first, wouldn’t even address the media and then began answering questions with dry, off-topic answers. He was ultimately fined over $100,000 back in November for these antics and fined twice more for crotch-grabbing in two games. And after another $500k threat if he didn’t appear at Media Day, Lynch showed his face and told reporters “I’m here so I won’t get fined.” Yet, he could end up with one anyway. Why? The non-NFL sponsored hat he wore during interviews. The hat, stitched with his “Beast Mode” logo, will be reviewed by the league following the Super Bowl.

A hat seems pretty petty to us, but there’s always more to the story…money. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports players “cannot wear brands that conflict with league partners,” during interviews. I mean, sponsors do pay top dollar for their logos to be shown, especially so, during events like Media Day. However, Lynch’s brand does not contend with any NFL-approved brand and is made by New Era which happens to be the NFL’s official hat provider. Therefore a fine would be a little excessive, don’t you think?

It’s not just Marshawn though, the NFL is well-known for fining players for the wrong brand. And you can bet: the more media present, the higher the fine. A few years ago, Brian Urlacher, was fined $100k for wearing a Vitaminwater hat to Media Day (the NFL is sponsored by Pepsi, who makes Gatorade). Just a few months ago, Colin Kaepernick was fined for wearing Beats headphones to a game when the NFL is sponsored by Bose.

There’s not a doubt in my mind that Lynch will be fined just because of who he is and his previous media encounters. During his own interviews Seahawks teammate, Richard Sherman, spoke about his targeted running back. Sherman stated that the NFL puts players “like Marshawn Lynch in a position to be mocked by the media.” But I’d like to think of Lynch as a bit of genius, having reversed the mockery to reporters who incessantly ask elementary questions time and time again. He presented the side of the media that we try to look over – they’re annoying and almost abusive.

Sources Cited:

NFL Mulls Fine for Marshawn Lynch: Adam Schefter & Darren Rovell, ESPN.com

Lynch Could face Hat Fine, tells Media ‘You Know Why I’m Here’: Kevin Patra, Around the NFL