A New Orleans Saints linebacker says he will stop wearing a “Man of God” headband after being fined by the NFL.
The Saints’ Demario Davis wore a headband with the words “Man of God” the first three weeks of the season before the NFL noticed and fined him $7,017. League policy prohibits “personal messages” on the uniform.
A second violation would have resulted in a fine roughly double that amount: $14,037, the Times-Picayune newspaper reported.
Davis is vocal about his faith. His Twitter and Instagram bios read “Servant of Christ.” He’s also founder of the Devoted Dreamers Foundation, a faith-based organization for inner-city children.
“I don't think a lot of people were aware of the policy that was in place – I wasn't even fully aware of it,” Davis told the newspaper about the policy and his headband. “I just wanted to put it out and just kind of help fans who care about the game understand a more intricate part of the game.”
He received plenty of support on social media – as well as pleas for him to continue wearing it – although he eventually decided not to don it again.
“Of course you don't want to be fined,” Davis told the newspaper. “Nobody wants to lose money but I think any time that the conversation about God is brought up, especially in these times, I think it's always a positive or silver lining.”
Davis, who played college football at Arkansas State, hopes to sell Man of God headbands to benefit a charity and/or Christian organization, he told the Times-Picayune.
“If He can get glory from it, I think He can get glory from it whether I personally wear the headband or don’t wear the headband,” he said. “He's always gonna be in control of the whole situation. We’re still all good.”
The controversy has helped Davis gain fans.
“Thank you for being unashamed of your faith no matter the earthly consequences,” one person on Twitter wrote.
@demario__davis thank you for being unashamed of your faith no matter the earthly consequences. https://t.co/ho8CcNySyu
— Reyn Clark (@DrReynClark) October 2, 2019
“We need ‘Man of God’ headbands available STAT.!!! Lol. They can fine you, but not us,” another fan wrote.
@demario__davis we need “Man of God” headbands available STAT.!!! Lol. They can fine you, but not us. ✊🏼🖤⚜️ #WhoDatNation #Saints pic.twitter.com/TsQMCi8K4F
— Meme 🖤⚜️😈 (@AlwayzAboutMeme) October 4, 2019
Related:
‘All Things Come from the Lord,’ Says Bo Nix, QB for No. 7 Auburn
Coach of No. 1 Clemson: My Purpose Is ‘to Glorify God’
Virginia’s Tony Bennett Says Christian Song ‘Hills and Valleys’ Inspired Team’s Title Run
Tim Tebow Says Loving and Serving Others is 'Bigger Than Football'
Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com.
Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Chris Graythen/Staff
