Saints Linebacker Demario Davis Fined $7,000 by the NFL for ‘Man of God’ Headband

Demario Davis of the New Orleans Saints reacts after recovering a fumble during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Dec. 23, 2018. Sean Gardner/Getty Images

New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis has spoken out about being fined over $7,000 for wearing a headband emblazoned with the words “Man of God.”

“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 NOLA.com. “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.”

Davis was hit with the fine because the headgear is not in line with the NFL’s “personal message” on player uniforms rule.

“Players are prohibited from wearing, displaying, or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the League office,” states Article 8 of the section on equipment, uniforms, and player appearance of the NFL rulebook (pdf).

Demario Davis of the New Orleans Saints reacts after recovering a fumble during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Dec. 23, 2018. Sean Gardner/Getty Images

The football star sported the headband under his helmet during a Sept. 22 matchup between the Saints the Seattle Seahawks.

Several days later Davis shared a photo of the headband on Instagram with the caption: “So, I got fined $7K for my headband. Should I continue to wear it, or nah? #LetThePeopleDecide #ManOfThePeople #ManOfGod.”

The NFL fined Davis exactly $7,017 for wearing the headband, and other social media photos show he has worn it before.

Davis told NOLA.com:"'Of course you don’t want to be fined. 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. 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’s always gonna be in control of the whole situation. We’re still all good.”

Davis later shared a photo of himself surrounded by family with everyone wearing the “Man of God” headband in different colors.

He captioned the photo: “I accept the fine but the mission continues! Obstacles are made to be conquered and I’m here to serve!!! We all can. Me, my family, and my headband are partnering with @stdomhospital so that 100% of proceeds can help save lives. You in?! #ManOfGod”

Davis plans to sell the “Man of God” headbands and donate the proceeds to a Christian charity, USA Today reported.

The linebacker did not wear the headband in last Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, in which the Saints clinched a 12-10 win.

Had Davis worn the headband during that game, he would have faced a fine of over $14,000.