Panthers' Josh Norman Fined For Patriotic Cleats During "Salute To Service" Game

The NFL rolled out its Salute to Service campaign this past weekend, recognizing the military and hawking apparel with a special green and camo theme. Panthers cornerback Josh Norman’s gesture was wearing special cleats in Sunday’s game against the Packers. The league fined him $5,000.

The colors on the shoes were acceptable, but the words “proud, brave” on the side crossed the line into excessive customization. Per Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer:

Norman said the issue wasn’t a color scheme that was different than the Panthers’ primary colors, but the fact that the Adidas cleats were emblazoned with the words, “proud, brave.”

“They got me for the wording that was on the side of it. I can’t have any words,” Norman said. “It is what it is.”

Here’s a photo of the cleats in question:

Norman said he’s appealing the decision.

[ Charlotte Observer]

Photo: AP

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