METAIRIE, La. – The Grinch finally got behind Alvin Kamara’s Christmas-themed cleats.
The receding New Orleans Saints were fined $ 5,000 by the NFL after wearing a pair of red and green cleats that didn’t match his uniform colors as they rushed for six touchdowns on Christmas Day. Apparently the league won’t even bend the rules if a player matches a 91-year record.
Kamara was also fined $ 6,079 for wearing similarly themed cleats around Christmas in 2017.
“If they fine me whatever it is, I’ll just match it and donate it to charity,” Kamara said after his historic performance in a 52-33 win over the Minnesota Vikings. “You know, the Grinch is always trying to steal Christmas.”
Kamara was not yet aware of his latest fine on Thursday when he spoke to the media. He joked, “I think they were nice this year. I didn’t get anything for Christmas; I think I’ll count that as my Christmas present.”
Fines for uniform fouls do not go directly to the NFL. They are donated to former player programs mutually agreed upon by the league and the NFL Players Association.
Kamara’s six touchdown performance also inspired more than $ 20,000 in charity donations from fantasy soccer managers who had him on their championship rosters. As of Thursday night, the charity Son of a Saint supporting Kamara received $ 21,000 from nearly 40 donors in his honor.