49ers’ Nick Bosa awaits word on potential fine for MAGA hat
A year after teammate George Kittle was fined by the NFL for a profane personal message in the form of a T-shirt displayed during a win over the Dallas Cowboys, 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa could face league discipline over expressing his political views.
Bosa crashed an NBC postgame interview conducted by sideline reporter Melissa Stark with quarterback Brock Purdy wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat in support of presidential candidate Donald Trump.
According to the NFL rulebook, “players are prohibited from wearing, displaying, or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the League office. Items to celebrate anniversaries or memorable events, or to honor or commemorate individuals, such as helmet decals, and arm bands and jersey patches on players’ uniforms, are prohibited unless approved in advance by the League office.”
The rulebook states that the league will not approve any such items that “relate to political activities or causes.”
Last season, after a 42-10 win over Dallas, Kittle wore a T-shirt in the aftermath that had an obscene reference to the Cowboys once used by former 49ers linebacker Gary Plummer. He was fined $13,659.
Following the 49ers’ 30-24 win Sunday night, Bosa did not elaborate on his decision to wear the hat, saying only that it is “an important time.”
Bosa signed a contract extension before the 2023 season worth a maximum of $170 million with $122.5 million in guarantees.
Messages left with the 49ers as well as the NFL football communications department and the news bureau on the matter were not returned.
NFL fines are typically announced on Saturdays.