New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis was recently fined a little more than $7,000 by the NFL for wearing a “Man of God” headband with his uniform.
Davis is known for his faith and not being ashamed to proclaim it and it seems NFL officials took notice of the headband, which is reportedly against the rules. NFL rules are strict on game-day apparel and personal messages are prohibited, according to the Washington Post.
It happened during a game in late September against the Seattle Seahawks. Davis was wearing the headband, which matched the team’s colors of black and gold, bearing the words “Man of God.” Davis said that was his first offense for a uniform violation even though the headband was not visible beneath his helmet.
“I don’t think a lot of people were aware of the policy that was in place — I wasn’t even fully aware of it,” Davis told Nola.com. “I just wanted to put it out and just kind of help fans who care about the game understand a more intricate part of the game.”
Davis continues, “Of course you don’t want to be fined. Nobody wants to lose money, but I think any time that the conversation about God is brought up, especially in these times, I think it’s always a positive or silver lining. If He can get glory from it, I think He can get glory from it whether I personally wear the headband or don’t wear the headband. He’s always going to be in control of the whole situation. We’re still all good.”
The NFL apparently cracked down on game day attire a few years ago when players used their cleats to display social, political, patriotic and charitable messages. The NFL approved a “My Cause, My Cleats” weekend following pushback to allow players the freedom to wear what they want.
That didn’t extend to headbands, though, and in any case the exception is really only granted for one weekend a year.
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