NFL keeps fining Caleb Williams for refusing to cover logo of "science" cleats worn by over 80 players
Fox News • • sports
Key Points:
- Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been fined a total of $35,823 by the NFL for wearing Caddix cleats, which feature SmartStuds technology designed to reduce injury risk, due to unauthorized branding violations over two games.
- Caddix, a small cleat company with only four employees, is not an official NFL sponsor, and CEO Jack Rasmussen supports Williams, emphasizing the cleats' safety benefits despite the fines.
- While over 80 NFL players, including stars like Cooper Kupp and Jalen Ramsey, wear Caddix cleats without fines, Williams is the only player penalized, prompting questions about the NFL's inconsistent enforcement.
- NFL rules allow officials to bar players from entering games if uniform violations are not corrected, meaning Williams could potentially be prevented from playing if he continues to defy league branding policies.
- Williams has appealed his fines and expressed commitment to wearing the cleats for their health benefits, with support from investors like Joe Flacco who have offered to cover any future fines.
