NFL star fined for 'F*** Dallas' shirt that started bitter feud
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle received a $13,699 fine for wearing a Dallas Cowboys shirt with explicit language underneath his uniform, which was revealed during the team's victory on Sunday.
After teammate Jordan Mason scored a touchdown in the 42-10 win, Kittle revealed a t-shirt with the message "F*** Dallas" on it. He explained on “ The Pat McAfee Show ” that he wore the shirt in homage to former 49ers linebacker Gary Plummer, who had made a similar gesture in the past when playing the Cowboys. Kittle also said he would repeat the action without hesitation, even if it meant facing a fine.
"I wore a personalized T-shirt, maybe an inappropriate word," Kittle said after the game. "So it is what it is. It was a decision I made. If they want to fine me, they fine me." San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan downplayed the incident, describing it as, "Just Kittle, WWE stuff, entertainment. Not really much, just smiled at it."
As reported by NFL insiders, a fine was issued for using offensive language. The NFL's fine schedule states that displaying "personal messages" on the field usually results in a penalty of $10,927. Insiders indicated that Kittle may have received a fine that exceeds the standard amount because of the profanity.
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Joe Burrow backs Patrick Mahomes after Kansas City Chiefs reach Super Bowl"That (shirt) was just on my loop, man. I put it on, was just wearing a T-shirt at the game. I don’t know how (F*** Dallas) got on there,” Kittle said, per the New York Post. "... There’s some things that need to be worn for the franchise and I think it’s just coincidence it just happened to appear on my chest on 'Sunday Night Football.'"
Kittle's choice of shirt caused an outburst from Cowboys players, particularly star pass rusher Micah Parsons. "I just feel like he's making it way more personal than it had to be," Parsons said on his podcast. "Kittle is my guy, but I'm gonna say this: Laugh now, cry later. We got something for that. Just trust. If we see them again, just trust. If you wanna make it personal, we can make it personal."
Kittle's animosity towards the Cowboys has been well-known since he entered the NFL. In 2018, during a 49ers victory over the Cowboys, Kittle had a standout performance, catching 13 passes for 162 yards and scoring a touchdown. When questioned about his strong feelings toward the Cowboys after the game, he said, "I hate the Cowboys. I hate everything about the Cowboys."
On Thursday night, Kittle maintained his vengeful Cowboys performances, catching three passes for 67 yards, and all three of his receptions resulted in touchdowns. He noted that this marked his first three-touchdown game since his junior high school days. He has never scored more than two touchdowns in a game during his NFL career.
The 49ers are set to travel to Cleveland for their upcoming game against the Browns on Oct. 15. The team aims to secure a 6-0 record as they and the Philadelphia Eagles remain the only undefeated teams in the league.