Oklahoma State University stopped its QR code initiative on football helmets after the NCAA ruled it violated bylaws.| MORE | NCAA blocks OSU’s plans for QR codes on players’ helmetsThe initiative aimed to boost the team's name, image and likeness collective by placing QR codes on players' helmets, allowing fans to directly contribute to the fund. "I read the rule. I think it's judgmental based on if it ever went to a court of law. It's pretty vague," OSU football head coach Mike Gundy said. The news was announced on the same day as OSU's season opener against South Dakota State at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater. The QR codes were not visible on the team's helmets during the game. Gundy said that the NCAA warned players would be suspended if the QR codes were used. "What I didn't want to do is take a chance on them trying to drop the hammer on a player because that wouldn't be fair to the player. If it was me, if they were going to drop the hammer on me, I don't care," Gundy said. The NCAA interpreted the QR code stickers as advertising or commercial marks, which are not permitted under current bylaws."I don't understand what the argument against this is. You're giving more money to the players straight from the fans. It's not from corporations and stuff like that. I don't see the issue," Alex De Winter, an OSU Cowboys fan, said.De Winter, who watched OSU win the game 44-20 at a restaurant in Oklahoma City, said he liked the idea of involving the helmet and was excited to use it, saying one of Ollie Gordon II's touchdowns in the game would have reeled him in. "It's worth five bucks from me right now. I'll tell you that right now. I really see no issue," he said. "I'd run out of money real quick with Ollie. He's probably going to go for 20 or 30 (touchdowns) this year. But yeah, absolutely sure would."Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.Chad Weiberg, OSU's athletic director, issued a statement, saying he disagreed with the NCAA's interpretation but pledged to comply and seek change."We disagree with the interpretation of the rule but will abide by it and work with the appropriate groups to lead on the needed change. Our people came up with an innovative concept to raise the NIL value of our student-athletes, but ultimately, it just serves as the latest example of how college sports are evolving at a faster pace than the rule book," Weiberg said.Gundy also said that the team is exploring other ways to implement the QR code initiative. Top HeadlinesLifeguards at South Carolina beach clear water after shark sighting as Labor Day weekend beginsFans celebrate late country music icon Toby Keith during Sooners opening gameOHP: Two dead after separate drownings in Oklahoma lakesOklahoma City park stripped of copper, leaving residents without a place to cool off for Labor Day weekendSchool districts respond to Ryan Walters new guidelines over American flag, Pledge of Allegiance