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Tomlin On Fines For Dress Code Violations: "The Guys Know The Rules"

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Steelers' Cam Heyward, William Gay and DeAngelo Williams have all been slapped with fines over the last few weeks for supporting causes close to their hearts.

The NFL sees it as a uniform violation, but now some are questioning whether the Steelers - as a team - should step in.

How far should your boss go to make sure you follow the dress code rules at work? And if you don't should be fined or suspended?

Well, the rules at your workplace might be one way, but what if you work for the Steelers and the big boss is the NFL.

There are some pretty strong opinions out there about how Steelers fans feel when their players get fined for going against the league's uniform policy.

William Gay wore purple shoes for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. He was fined almost $5,800 for it.

Cam Heyward faced almost the same amount for wearing his late father's nickname on his eye black twice. Through an agreement with the NFL though, his fines were later reduced.

DeAngelo Williams' daughters took on their own protest. In a photo, they hold signs saying: "We wear pink because our daddy isn't allowed."

"The guys know the rules," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "We spend a lot of time talking about it, from an apparel stand point. What's acceptable and what's not."

Apparently, the NFL thinks players taking a stand for a certain cause, like a pink mouth guard after Breast Cancer Awareness Month - might be taking it too far, or least not league sanctioned.

"There's more important things to worry about than somebody trying to honor a father that died from cancer or a mother," said Gary Eyels, a fan from Belle Vernon.

So far this season, a total of five players have been fined by the NFL for uniform or equipment violations.

Four of the five, were Pittsburgh Steelers, causing at least one national sports columnist to wonder if the Steelers players are revolting, and asking, why doesn't team management do something about it.

"We have a uniform presentation every year at the beginning of training camp. It's no need for overkill," said Tomlin.

But does the NFL agree.

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