NFL Nixes Rumors of Fines, Will Allow Players to Wear Special 9/11 Gear

After reports circulated that NFL players could be hit with fines this weekend for wearing "unauthorized" patriotic gear to honor the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the league confirmed that players will be allowed to wear special red, white and blue shoes and gloves.

"NFL confirmed to clubs this morning that players may wear special shoes & gloves from NFL licensees for Week 1 games," NFL Vice President of Football Communications Michael Signora wrote on Twitter Friday afternoon.

The NFL has strict rules about game-day attire, and any unauthorized uniform alteration can lead to steep fines.

Rumors of possible fines lit up on Twitter Thursday, after players including Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs posted about receiving "Never Forget" gloves and shoes from Reebok:

For the anniversary of 9/11 game why is it if I wear shoes and gloves that are the colors of r nations flag..I will be fined by the league

Reebok great job on these gloves and shoes..looks like I'm getting fined this week. Lol!

By far the best fine I will ever have to pay. Thanks

Fines for gloves could be as much as 5k..the shoes 8-10k I think. not 100% on the shoe fine.

Tennessee Titans Quarterback Matthew Hasselbeck tweeted a photo of his cleats and said he planned to wear them for the game and then donate them to a charity for wounded veterans.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles also wrote about receiving gear from Reebok:

I Have some commemorative 9/11 gloves & cleats for the weekend game.. That #reebok made me. I never forget.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, several Chargers players received the gear but were warned by Reebok officials that it was not authorized by the NFL.

The paper reported at least one Chargers player said he would risk the fine and wear the cleats.

The NFL provides pink apparel, including shoes, for players to wear to support breast cancer awareness in October.

In addition to special gloves and shoes, sideline personnel will wear commemorative pins, and players will wear a red, white and blue patch below their jersey collars in the shape of ribbon.