Avoiding hypocrisy ranks low on the NFL's list of priorities. Enforcing its strict uniform policy, as we've learned, ranks high.
Which is why Giants wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz, along with Titans linebacker Avery Williamson, likely will be fined for wearing patriotic cleats Sunday — exactly 15 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks — by a league that drapes itself in the American flag.
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The players were given a fair warning: An NFL rep reportedly called Williamson to let him know about the possible punishment after Williamson announced last week he'd wear the cleats, which featured a red and white Nike swoosh on the blue footwear.