News Scrap

San Francisco 49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa has been slapped with an $11,255 fine by the NFL for sporting a “Make America Great Again” hat during a postgame appearance last month, ESPN reported Saturday.

Bosa’s decision to don the controversial cap came after the 49ers’ victory over the Dallas Cowboys on October 27th, where he interrupted an interview featuring teammates George Kittle, Brock Purdy, and Isaac Guerendo. NFL rules clearly prohibit players from wearing items displaying personal messages or non-sponsored branding on game day in settings visible to the stadium and TV audiences, including postgame media interactions. The league’s decision to fine Bosa emphasizes its strict stance on maintaining a neutral appearance for players in public broadcasts.

Bosa, however, didn’t seem too concerned about the fine. In a statement before receiving the penalty, he indicated he was willing to face any potential consequence.

“I haven’t got one yet, but if it comes, it comes,” Bosa stated. “It was well worth it.”

His postgame attire appeared to show support for former President Donald Trump, who had been declared the winner as of Tuesday’s election. When Bosa finally spoke with the media on the Wednesday following the 49ers’ bye week, he again refrained from delving into his reasons for wearing the hat. However, he acknowledged he’d tuned into the election coverage and stayed up to watch the outcome unfold.

“I don’t think my position on speaking about it is going to change,” he remarked, adding, “Clearly, the nation spoke. And we got what we got.”

Having recently signed a lucrative five-year, $170 million extension in 2023, Bosa is among the NFL’s highest-paid defensive players, allowing him to handle the fine easily.