NFL Rules That Face Paint Is a Uniform Code Violation

As silly as it may seem, the National Football League is cracking down on face paint this season.

According to ESPN.com's David Newton, the league sent the Carolina Panthers a memo stating that face paint—like what defensive end Greg "The Kraken" Hardy uses—will be considered a uniform violation.

In case Hardy or the Panthers weren't clear about what is considered a violation, the NFL was kind enough to provide them with a picture.

Here are more looks at some of The Kraken's face paint:

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

MIKE MCCARN/Associated Press

Newton shared more information on the memo:

"

Team officials confirmed the face paint used as Hardy does was included in other code violations sent in a memo by the league office. Team officials were unaware what the fine would be for such a violation. A spokesman from the league office said the rule is not new, but didn't say what fines would accompany it and could not say whether Hardy has been fined for the violation in the past.

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Whether it's chinstraps, socks or cleats, the NFL wants everyone on the team to look uniform.

It will now be up to Hardy—and everyone else—to decide if face paint is worth paying a fine.

[ESPN]