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Every October, the NFL allows extensive infiltration of player uniforms with the color pink, in honor of breast cancer awareness. The NFL apparently is willing to make exceptions for other causes, if the player is willing to pay the fine.

Contrary to reports indicating that Bears receiver Brandon Marshall won’t be permitted on the field if he wears green shoes in honor of Mental Health Awareness Week, the league office tells PFT that Marshall will be permitted to play in the green shoes, and that he’ll simply be fined later.

Marshall has said he planned to pay the fine and match it with a donation to charity.

It’s the right approach. For the past two games, Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has worn non-conforming green shoes. For Week Four, he was fined $5,250. For Week Five, he undoubtedly will be fined even more.

If the league plans to block players from wearing non-conforming shoes or gear, that standard should be applied consistently. If Lynch can do it, Marshall and anyone else should be able to do it, too.