NFL fines Panthers cornerback Josh Norman $5,000 for patriotic cleats

Panthers cornerback Josh Norman has been fined $5,000 for wearing custom red-white-and-blue cleats on Sunday against the Packers.

Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman has been fined $5,000 for wearing custom red-white-and-blue cleats on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, the Charlotte Observer reports.

Norman told reporters that the league fined him not for the color scheme, which was apparently not deemed different from Carolina’s uniform colors, but for the message printed on the shoes: “proud, brave.” He will appeal the ruling.

Norman wore the cleats for Carolina’s “Salute to Service” game and said he was expecting to be fined. He plans to auction the cleats online and donate the money to troops in North and South Carolina.

The 27-year-old cornerback has been a key member of undefeated Carolina’s defense this season, with 31 tackles and four interceptions.

NFL fined Josh Norman $5,000 for wearing his red white and blue cleats last weekend. He is appealing. pic.twitter.com/F5fEJzJUsP

— Joe Person (@josephperson) November 12, 2015

The Panthers (8–0) will travel to face the Tennessee Titans (2–6) on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.

- Jeremy Woo