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02:20 AM ET 12.20 | Above all else, the NFL is a business before it's a sport. We hear players say that all the time when they're either traded or cut: this is a business. Robert Griffin III is learning the hard way what happens when you go against the corporate grain, as the NFL has fined the rookie $10,000 for wearing Adidas apparel in a world licensed by Nike. In his post game press conference after Week 14, RGIII was wearing an Adidas T-shirt and sweatsuit when he addressed the media. The NFL signed a licensing deal with Nike this offseason which gives the Pacific-Northwest company exclusive rights to NFL gear. This wasn't a free deal, and Nike paid a hefty sum to replace Reebok as the official merchandiser of the most popular sport in America. So it's understandable that when someone shows up wearing the other guy's stuff, you're not going to be happy about it. It was the NFL's policy to fine RGIII, however, not Nike's.

Robert Griffin III, AP Photo/Alex Brandon

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December 21, 2012 05:05 AM ET

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This kid is alright--- good on him for wearing the Adidas shirt over the Goodell influenced Nike crap... Goodell is getting a nice kickback from Nike and it hurts his wallet--- Try "cleaning up" the NFL like you said you would Goodell, MORON...

BushIsRight

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December 21, 2012 06:56 AM ET

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what a joke!

Ron Mexico II

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December 21, 2012 08:24 AM ET

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F'k Nike

---Loki---

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December 21, 2012 09:24 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:24 AM ET 12.21 by ---Loki---

F'k Nike

UtahFriday

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December 21, 2012 09:37 AM ET

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Yep. Mmmm Hmmm..

It was the NFL's policy to fine RGIII, however, not Nike's.

Bolio

Minneapolis , MN

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December 21, 2012 09:43 AM ET

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The game is a distant second to the money, or third, maybe fourth.

SteveDallas

Amarillo, TX

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December 21, 2012 09:49 AM ET

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Adidas probably paid him $20,000 to wear it!

Mangler.

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December 21, 2012 09:53 AM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 09:49 AM ET 12.21 by Mangler.

Adidas probably paid him $20,000 to wear it!

Right? Essentially free advertising.

THE BISHOP!

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December 21, 2012 09:55 AM ET

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The more I see of RGIII, the more I like him. He is his own person. Just wish he weren't in the NFC East.

SouthernBlueFan

Auburn , AL

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December 21, 2012 09:58 AM ET

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QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 09:55 AM ET 12.21 by SouthernBlueFan

The more I see of RGIII, the more I like him. He is his own person. Just wish he weren't in the NFC East.

He just needs to be more aware of exposing himself to injury on the field.

THE BISHOP!

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December 21, 2012 01:32 PM ET

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He should take the other 10K and buy leasons on how and when to slide

Eagles in 2020

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December 21, 2012 02:34 PM ET

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Son, look into da Mirror before you step onto The Field! Big Brother is Watching!!!

Not4Nutten

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December 22, 2012 09:30 AM ET

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They should have fined him more than that. He is still at work when doing interviews after the game and he should wear the stuff/uniform that the NFL, his boss, says wear. He can wear whatever he wants after he gets off of work.