Lance Briggs Wearing 9/11 Tribute Gear Sunday, Fine from NFL or Not

Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs is in a defiant mood to start the season. Not only has he asked for a pay raise from the Bears, but he’s now subjecting himself to fines from the NFL.

Briggs plans to wear red, white, and blue gloves and cleats Sunday for his team’s season-opening game against the Falcons. The accessories are intended to pay tribute on the 10-year anniversary of 9-11. Briggs says Reebok advised him he could be fined for wearing that gear. The linebacker says he’s prepared to pay it.

Briggs also pointed out that fining players for paying tribute to 9/11 could be hypocritical given that the NFL allows players to wear pink gloves and cleats for Breast Cancer Awareness. Briggs is right on, and this is something for which the NFL should make an exception.

Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles likely will be wearing the duds, as will Matt Hasselbeck.

Thanks to Jimmy Traina for the tip

UPDATE: The NFL won’t fine players for wearing 9/11 tribute gear