The No Fun League struck again, and helped Dale Earnhardt Jr. dodge a bullet in the process.
An NFL provision will prohibit Earnhardt from running a Philadelphia Eagles-themed paint job on the No. 88 Axalta Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway, according to a Hendrick Motorsports tweet on Friday.
Due to an NFL provision, the No. 88 Axalta All-Pro Teachers car will not run at Pocono. @DaleJr will race the customary @AxaltaRacing Chevy.
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) June 2, 2017
While at first glance this appears to be another case of the NFL’s unwritten stance of automatically outlawing anything fun and new, NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy explained the league has a rule against cross-promoting with other leagues.
“The Eagles are recognized around the world as one of the most community-driven organizations in sports,” McCarthy told NESN Fuel in an email. “We appreciate the club’s intent, but a league-wide rule prohibits a promotion involving another sport.”
Earnhardt, a diehard Washington Redskins fan, took some jabs on social media when it was announced in April that he would drive the Eagles paint scheme to support the Axalta All-Pro Teacher initiative to honor teachers who make a difference. Earnhardt instead will drive a regular Axalta paint scheme for the June 11 race.
The Redskins, for one, approved of the NFL’s position.
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 2, 2017
You like that, Junior?
Thumbnail photo via Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports Images
