Marshawn Lynch probably isn’t feeling very thankful right now.
Lynch had planned to wear gold cleats for Sunday’s NFC title game. The league found out about it. According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, the NFL told Lynch that, if he wears the cleats, he’ll be ejected from the game.
Per Glazer, the NFL later softened its stance; Lynch simply won’t be allowed to play until he takes off the gold cleats. When he does, he’ll be allowed to play.
In past situations, the NFL has permitted players to wear non-conforming cleats, fining them after the fact. In 2013, for example, Bears receiver Brandon Marshall wore green shoes to promote mental-health awareness. The league didn’t keep him from playing despite the obvious uniform violation.
Of course, Lynch isn’t promoting a charity or a cause. Lynch, who routinely refuses to express himself verbally, is promoting himself. The league isn’t inclined to let him; if Lynch was a little more cooperative with the league, perhaps it would have.