NNEDV Appalled by NFL Decision to Fine Player for Raising Awareness about Domestic Violence

October 28, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: NNEDV Communications Team (Communications@NNEDV.org)

Washington, DC – Earlier today, William Gay, a cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was fined $5,787 for wearing purple shoes to raise awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“While we understand the need for standard player uniforms, a nearly $6,000 fine seems excessive,” said Kim Gandy, NNEDV President & CEO. “This amount could help a local program put up nearly 30 victims in a hotel if their shelter were full. It could serve as the down payment on a new, safe apartment for a dozen survivors. It is unconscionable that the NFL would choose to further line its pockets when all William Gay did was wear purple shoes to honor his mother, who was tragically killed by Gay’s stepfather.”

Last year, we petitioned the NFL to “go purple” for domestic violence awareness, but this request was denied. NNEDV applauds William Gay for taking a public stand against domestic violence – no matter the cost. We hope that more players and more people across the country are inspired by his message of hope and solidarity for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

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The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) represents the 56 state and U.S. territorial coalitions against domestic violence. NNEDV is a social change organization working to create a social, political, and economic environment in which domestic violence no longer exists. NNEDV works to make domestic violence a national priority, change the way society responds to domestic violence, and strengthen domestic violence advocacy at every level.