Robert Griffin III Fined $10,000 for Wearing Adidas Sweatsuit, T-Shirt to News Conference

by Doug Kyed on Wed, Dec 19, 2012 at 11:11PM

If you thought Robert Griffin III could do no wrong, well, you’re still mostly right.

The NFL announced Griffin was fined $10,000 on Wednesday, but it wasn’t for anything he did on the gridiron. Griffin wore an Adidas sweatsuit and T-shirt to the Redskins’ Week 14 news conference, which the NFL considers unauthorized apparel. That’s because the NFL has an official deal with Nike.

RGIII was warned earlier this season when he covered up a Nike logo on a t-shirt during pregame warmups. Since this is Griffin’s second violation, he got fined. Adidas isn’t one of the league’s approved sponsors, so Griffin has had to tape over the company’s logos on his shoes all season. Why do we get the feeling that Griffin may receive an extra $10,000 from Adidas this week for sporting their gear unauthorized?

Griffin may not be able to rep Adidas during pregame, postgame or on the field this season, but he’s been more than visible in the company’s ad campaigns all season. And the rookie quarterback should be making the brand proud.

The rookie is a leading candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year this season. He’s thrown for 2,902 yards, 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions this season. On the ground, RGIII has collected 748 yards and six more touchdowns. Griffin injured his knee in the Redskins’ Week 14 win over the Ravens, but should be ready for their Week 16 matchup against the Eagles.

What may be most impressive about Griffin’s rookie season is the 7-6 record he’s accumulated as a starter. The Redskins have rallied off five straight wins, and four with Griffin under center. Washington is currently leading the NFC East based on tiebreakers, though their 8-6 record is tied with the Giants and Cowboys.

Griffin has received criticism from certain analysts recently, but his actions that caused the $10,000 fine likely won’t draw much ire outside of the NFL and Nike. After signing a four-year $21 million rookie deal, this fine is likely the least of Griffin’s worries right now as he tries to lead his team to the postseason.

Photo of the Day

It was Richard Hamilton look-a-like night in Boston on Wednesday.

Quote of the Day

“He’s a lot better than he was ten years ago.”
–Bill Belichick on Tom Brady during his conference call with the Jacksonville media

Tweet of the Day

“Just when I think you couldn’t possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this … and totally redeem yourself!”

Jets should trade Tebow to Jags for Henne. Straight up, like the sheepdog van for the moped in Dumb & Dumber
—
Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) December 20, 2012