DSD, I have no idea what you're talking about. If anything, there's a consistency between "lighten up noobs, it's a funny nickname" and "lighten up, NFL, it's eye black/pink socks."
As for other sports fining players for uniform violations, it's really not even close. In fact, I challenge you to find a list of MLB, NHL, or NBA uniform violations 1/10th as long as the first page of Google search results for the NFL this year. In fact, 8 or 9 MLB team uniforms are in direct violation of MLB laws about using a baseball in the logo/design of the uniform. The MLB knows enough not to GAF. You're way off base here.
No I'm not. there's a difference between enforcing the rules that apply to players wearing the uniform and the league enforcing the appropriateness of a single franchise' uniform design. Also, the NFL has more players on the roster than any other sport. And, maybe players in other sports just follow the fucking rules better.
And the larger point stands, that the NFL cares way too much about tiny shit like this and way too little about concussion protocols (
which it fails to fine players for intentionally violating) or so many of the larger issues facing the league. It's emblematic of the NFL's concern. Distract from narratives about lifelong injury and death or domestic abuse or cheating. Sell 2 hours of ad time per game, fine people for pithy shit, and watch the $ roll in.
Doesn't matter. Red herring.
While I agree that it's fairly simple to follow league rules regarding dress code, and players are willing to incur fines when it comes to matters like that or celebration penalties, it's still a worthwhile critique of the NFL.
That's fine. Critique away.