The NFL (otherwise known as the National Fashion League) has found yet another savage criminal worthy of the most serious punishment. San Francisco 49ers linebacker Tarell Brown has been fined over $5,000 for wearing the wrong undergarment sleeves. Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk files this report on Smith's fine (including an excerpt of the letter via Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area).
"Dear Tarell: During the Detroit Lions-San Francisco 49ers game on September 16, 2012, you were in violation of the NFL Uniform and Equipment Rules."
Apparently, the big issue is that Brown was wearing a red undershirt as opposed to a white undershirt, when the Niners have a designated color of white for their undershirt. $5,250 is the amount of the fine the NFL has issued.
This is an actual policy by the NFL. Rule 5, Section 4, Article 1 states the following about uniform policy.
The term uniform, as used in this policy, applies to every piece of equipment worn by a player, including helmet, shoulder pads, thigh pads, knee pads, and any other item of protective gear, and to every visible item of apparel, including but not limited to pants, jerseys, wristbands, gloves, stockings, shoes, visible undergarments, and accessories such as headwear, worn under helmets and hand towels. All visible items worn on game-day by players must be issued by the club or the League, or, if from outside sources, must have approval in advance by the League office.
The NFL dress code continues to remain among one of the more ludicrous practices in modern sport, and Brown appears to be the latest victim.
Talk about the Brown fine with 49ers fans by heading on over to Niners Nation. Hit up the SB Nation NFL hub for more comprehensive pro football coverage.