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The NFL is remembering 9/11 with tributes on this Sunday, but they did not want Avery Williamson to go through with his patriotic gesture.
The Tennessee Titans linebacker and former Kentucky Wildcats star said earlier in the week he would wear specially-designed patriotic cleats vs the Minnesota Vikings. The special red, white and blue cleats include stars, an American flag-inspired Nike logo and the words "Never Forget" printed on the heel, but the NFL said he wasn’t allowed due to it being a uniform violation.
After initially deciding to pass on wearing the cleats, Williamson went ahead with it and wore them as the Titans faced the Vikings.
@Titans LB @AWilliamson54 is indeed wearing the patriotic cleats today. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/2FkJsb9Nxh
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisWSMV) September 11, 2016
Another look at Avery Williamson's shoes. Wore them despite NFL threatening to fine him. https://t.co/R0sKVZhrdY pic.twitter.com/gYYJxxRe62
— tnsports (@tnsports) September 11, 2016
According to the NFL's fines and appeals handbook, Williamson would be fined at least $6,000 for wearing a 'personal messages' or committing 'other uniform violations.'
Williamson shouldn’t worry about the fine after police unions vowed to help pay off whatever fine the NFL imposed.