Source: 49ers’ George Kittle Fined Over $13K for Cowboys T-Shirt Taunt
Oct 13, 2023, 01:19 PM ET
The NFL has fined San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle $13,699 for using abusive language on the T-shirt he wore under his uniform during the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, according to a source from ESPN. Kittle wore a gray shirt with the words “F— Dallas” in blue lettering underneath his jersey while celebrating a touchdown run by Jordan Mason in the fourth quarter of the Niners’ 42-10 victory.
Kittle admitted that he was aware he would likely face a fine for his wardrobe choice. He said, “I wore a personalized T-shirt, maybe an inappropriate word. So it is what it is. It was a decision I made. If they want to fine me, they fine me.”
Earlier in the week, sources revealed that the league was considering a fine for a “personal message” uniform violation, which carries a price tag of $10,927. However, Kittle made it clear that he has no regrets and would do it again if given the chance.
The choice to wear the controversial T-shirt was inspired by Kittle’s study of the 49ers’ history. He wanted to pay homage to former Niners linebacker Gary Plummer, who wore a similar shirt with the same message during the 1994 NFC Championship Game against the Cowboys. At that time, San Francisco and Dallas had a fierce rivalry and faced off in three consecutive NFC Championship Games, with both teams winning Super Bowl titles.
San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his support for Kittle’s decision to wear the shirt, stating that it aligns with the tight end’s larger-than-life persona. Shanahan said, “[It’s] just Kittle, WWE stuff, entertainment. Not really much, just smiled at it.”
However, not everyone was amused by Kittle’s gesture. Cowboys pass-rusher Micah Parsons criticized Kittle, feeling that he made the situation more personal than necessary. On the other hand, Dallas safety Jayron Kearse didn’t see any issue with Kittle’s actions and stated that if they had done their job and prevented him from scoring, he wouldn’t have been able to taunt them.
Despite the fine, Kittle had an impressive performance in the game, with three catches for 67 yards and three touchdowns.
Looking ahead, Kittle confirmed that he won’t be wearing a similar themed T-shirt when the Niners face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. He explained that there is no storied rivalry between the two teams, and he prefers to honor the legacy of the 49ers rather than create controversy.
In conclusion, George Kittle’s decision to wear a controversial T-shirt during the game against the Dallas Cowboys has resulted in a hefty fine from the NFL. While some may criticize his actions, Kittle remains unapologetic and sees it as a tribute to the team’s history. The incident has sparked discussions about personal expression and the boundaries of player conduct on and off the field. As the league continues to navigate these issues, it remains to be seen how players will balance self-expression with the league’s regulations in the future.
Note: Information from ESPN’s Nick Wagoner was used in this report.