The National Football League has strict policies regarding endorsements done personally by athletes. They have certain stipulations as to whether or not you can promote your own advocacies while playing for the NFL. Most of the time, unless approved by the NFL, they cannot do so.
Two very good examples are DeAngelo Williams and William Gay, both from Pittsburg Steelers, both committed violations that were said to be wrong in the eyes of the NFL.
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Williams was fined $5,787 for a uniform violation. He wore eye black and a shirt that says 'We will find a cure'and a a breast cancer ribbon, in lieu of breast cancer awareness, and in honor of her mother who passed away because of the disease.
He has worn this customized eye black for as long as he can remember. This is why it's surprising for him to get fined for the first time. The NFL explained that they are okay with having eye blacks for cancer awareness as long as they are provided by the league.
As reported on ESPN, Williams asked permission to wear pink all year but was denied by NFL vice-president, Troy Vincent. This was his first and hopefully last offense.
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They also fined cornerback William Gay for wearing purple cleats to show his support against domestic violence - this has a personal story behind it as well. When Gay was just 7 years old, his mother was shot to death by his stepfather. He has supported the cause ever since he started playing. The Steelers cornerback made sure to make this statement, "I think we all know why I wore the purple cleats," he said.
Both athletes did not appeal their fines yet, however, they are expected to pay as soon as possible.
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