On Sunday October 25, 2015, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay was fined $5,787 for wearing purple shoes. He was attempting to bring awareness to domestic violence.
He was personally affected by it when his Mother was shot and killed by his stepfather when he was only 7 yrs old. He is not the only player to alter their uniform to bring awareness against a cause that is very dear to them and be fined for doing so: Cameron Heyward, a defensive end, and DeAngelo Williams, a running back, added messages to the streaks of eye black players wear to reduce glare.
Heyward was honoring his father, who died of brain cancer. Williams, whose mother died of breast cancer, wore eye black with the message “Find the Cure."
Domestic violence and cancer tragically affect the lives of thousands of women, men, and children each year. The players are public figures and many people see them. It only takes one person to help make change.
The NFL regulations must be changed to allow such public awareness. Please sign this petition to tell the NFL to help put an end to domestic violence: don't fine players for raising awareness of important causes! Personally, I would really like to see Mr. Goodell come forward and explain the rationality of these rules. I want to hear from him, first hand, why players cannot stand up for causes they firmly believe in.
