The NFL has fined San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick $10,000 for wearing Beats by Dre headphones, at a post-game press conference on Sunday.
After the NFL named Bose the official headphones sponsor of the league, players and coaches have been banned from wearing all other headphone brands during interviews. Players are allowed to use equipment from other companies, but they’re required to cover up the logo.
Kaepernick has an endorsement deal with Beats and has appeared in one of its most popular commercials. He declined to say whether Beats would pay the fine, telling reporters, “We’ll let that be unanswered.”
Beats by Dre has gained popularity, in part, because athletes seem to always have the headphones around their necks or on their heads when appearing on camera before and after games.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, who is also a spokesperson for the brand, wore Beats headphones before Monday night’s game. He is likely to be fined as well.