NFL players will be subject to fines and perhaps even suspension for wearing non-Bose headphones during TV interviews, thanks to a new agreement between Bose and the NFL.  The restriction requires players wearing non-Bose gear to cover up the competitor’s logo or else face punishment.  The rule is in effect during practice sessions and on game days, starting from the opening kickoff and lasting until 90 minutes after play has ended. While it is not unusual for leagues to impose restrictions on player use of apparel or equipment in order to protect league sponsors, the NFL’s restrictions on headphones is of a different character.  In the former situation, player apparel and equipment is viewed as part of the player’s uniform, which typically is team-issued. League restrictions, in such situations, are understandable.  Headphones, on the other hand, are personal items that players purchase with their own funds.  The NFL’s current restriction is in place because of a deal the league reached with Bose to outfit coaches with headphones.  That’s what makes this hard to swallow.  This is not a situation where the sponsor is providing players with apparel as part of its deal with the league and the league turns around […]