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NFL Might Fine Giants' Beckham And Cruz For Wearing 9/11-Themed Cleats

Bryan Altman

On Sunday -- the 15th anniversary of the September 11th attacks -- Giants receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz showed their support for America, the victims of 9/11, first responders and others affected by the tragedy in their opening day win over the Cowboys by wearing custom-made cleats with patriotic themes.

However, due to the NFL's notoriously strict uniform policy, the duo may actually end up being fined for their violation of the NFL's uniform code, even though it was for a good cause.

As outrageous as it sounds, the league set the precedent for such action last year when it fined Steelers' running back DeAngelo Williams and Steelers lineman Cameron Heyward for wearing cancer awareness-themed messages on their eye black in October -- during breast cancer awareness month, of all months.

The messages were in honor of Williams' mother, who lost her battle with cancer in 2014, while Heyward's father, Craig 'Ironhead' Heyward, died of brain cancer at the age of 39 in 2006.

In addition to Beckham and Cruz facing fines, Titans' linebacker Avery Williamson and Colts punter Pat McAfee, who also wore patriotic cleats during their teams' games against the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions on Sunday, may be facing fines for their violations of the policy.

Williamson announced his plans to wear the cleats last week and the NFL subsequently announced that they would fine players who violated the uniform policy.

In response, the New York and New Jersey police unions announced they would happily pay Williamson's fine, which would be $6,076.00 for a first offense.

McAfee, told ESPN.com's Ian Fitzsimmons that he knew he'd be fined but didn't care because it was "worth every penny."

The league has yet to announce any fines for the receivers or comment on the matter.

Bryan Altman is, for some reason, an unabashed fan of the Rangers, Jets and Mets. If he absolutely had to pick a basketball team it would be the Knicks, but he'd gladly trade them for a championship for any of his other three teams.

Questions or comments? Feel free to follow Bryan on Twitter or send him an email.

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