NBA Dress Code

[stevew]

In a memo issued Monday, the NBA set forth a "minimum" dress code starting with the 2005-2006 season. The following highlights are excerpted from the memo:



1. General Policy: Business Casual
Players are required to wear Business Casual attire whenever they are engaged in team or league business. "Business Casual" attire means:
• A long or short-sleeved dress shirt (collared or turtleneck), and/or a sweater.
• Dress slacks, khaki pants, or dress jeans.
• Appropriate shoes and socks, including dress shoes, dress boots, or other presentable shoes, but not including sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, or work boots.


2. Exceptions to Business Casual
There are the following exceptions to the general policy of Business Casual attire:
a. Players In Attendance At Games But Not In Uniform
Players who are in attendance at games but not in uniform are required to wear the following additional items when seated on the bench or in the stands during the game:
• Sport Coat.
• Dress shoes or boots, and socks.
3. Excluded Items
The following is a list of items that players are not allowed to wear while on team or league business:
• Sleeveless shirts.
• Shorts.
• T-shirts, jerseys, or sports apparel (unless appropriate for the event (e.g., a basketball clinic), team-identified, and approved by the team).
• Headgear of any kind while a player is sitting on the bench or in the stands at a game, during media interviews, or during a team or league event or appearance (unless appropriate for the event or appearance, team-identified, and approved by the team).
• Chains, pendants, or medallions worn over the player's clothes.
• Sunglasses while indoors.
• Headphones (other than on the team bus or plane, or in the team locker room).


I wonder if they are gonna call this the "Allan Iverson" Rule.

[rkmsuf]

I think it's hilarious it has to come to this in such a public fashion.

[vex]

No headphones, they must be trying to help boomboxes make a return.

[Karlifornia]

Memo to NBA Players: Get the fuck over it and take your millions.

Wear the collared shirt and slacks. You are representing the league, so you should wear what they tell you. If I'm working for a company and they send me somewhere to represent them, then I will wear what they ask. They're the ones PAYING ME.

[rkmsuf]

My favorite was Marcus Camby who wanted to be reimbursed for buying clothes.

[sovereignstar]

Memo to NBA Players: Get the fuck over it and take your millions.

Wear the collared shirt and slacks. You are representing the league, so you should wear what they tell you. If I'm working for a company and they send me somewhere to represent them, then I will wear what they ask. They're the ones PAYING ME.

So in other words: They say jump, you just ask how high?

[st.cronin]

My favorite was Marcus Camby who wanted to be reimbursed for buying clothes.

That was hilarious. The NBA has to have the stupidest athletes, or at least the one's who say the dumbest things.

[korme]

This is so stupid. The NBA's biggest draw is hip hop.. I mean even I would be pissed if I couldn't wear a hat to a post-game interview.

[ISiddiqui]

So in other words: They say jump, you just ask how high?
Do you actually work at a job?

Many jobs have dress codes. You can decide not to take their rules, but that usually involves quitting the job as well... NBA players are free to wear their own clothing while flipping burgers at McDonalds.

[stevew]

Spree's kids must have died of starvation by now...he still hadn't signed a contract the last time I was paying attention(a few weeks ago)

[rkmsuf]

This is so stupid. The NBA's biggest draw is hip hop.. I mean even I would be pissed if I couldn't wear a hat to a post-game interview.

Clearly this is not targeted at them marketing wise.

[sovereignstar]

Do you actually work at a job?

Many jobs have dress codes. You can decide not to take their rules, but that usually involves quitting the job as well... NBA players are free to wear their own clothing while flipping burgers at McDonalds.

Oh, I see. So this was in their contracts?

[JeeberD]

So in other words: They say jump, you just ask how high?

This time the bullet cold rocked ya
A yellow ribbon instead of a swastika
Nothin' proper about ya propaganda
Fools follow rules when the set commands ya
Said it was blue
When ya blood was read
That's how ya got a bullet blasted through ya head

Blasted through ya head
Blasted through ya head

I give a shout out to the living dead
Who stood and watched as the feds cold centralized
So serene on the screen
You were mesmerised
Cellular phones soundin' a death tone
Corporations cold
Turn ya to stone before ya realise
They load the clip in omnicolour
Said they pack the 9, they fire it at prime time
Sleeping gas, every home was like Alcatraz
And mutha fuckas lost their minds

Just victims of the in-house drive-by
They say jump, you say how high
Just victims of the in-house drive-by
They say jump, you say how high

Run it!

Just victims of the in-house drive-by
They say jump, you say how high
Just victims of the in-house drive-by
They say jump, you say how high

Checka, checka, check it out
They load the clip in omnicolour
Said they pack the 9, they fire it at prime time
Sleeping gas, every home was like Alcatraz
And mutha fuckas lost their minds

No escape from the mass mind rape
Play it again jack and then rewind the tape
And then play it again and again and again
Until ya mind is locked in
Believin' all the lies that they're tellin' ya
Buyin' all the products that they're sellin' ya
They say jump and ya say how high
Ya brain-dead
Ya gotta fuckin' bullet in ya head

Just victims of the in-house drive-by
They say jump, you say how high
Just victims of the in-house drive-by
They say jump, you say how high

Uggh! Yeah! Yea!

Ya standin' in line
Believin' the lies
Ya bowin' down to the flag
Ya gotta bullet in ya head

Ya standin' in line
Believin' the lies
Ya bowin' down to the flag
Ya gotta bullet in ya head

A bullet in ya head
A bullet in ya head
A bullet in ya head
A bullet in ya head
A bullet in ya head
A bullet in ya head
A bullet in ya head
A bullet in ya head
A bullet in ya head!
A bullet in ya head!
A bullet in ya head!
A bullet in ya head!
A bullet in ya head!
A bullet in ya head!
A bullet in ya head!
Ya gotta bullet in ya fuckin' head!

Yeah!

Yeah!

[Pumpy Tudors]

I didn't know about this. My gut reaction is to think that this is kinda off the wall. It must be because of Allen Iverson. Whatever the case, I'm not against business dress codes in general. Please don't take this that way. I'm just trying to figure out what the NBA is trying to do here. I know they're losing some fans because of this type of thing, but they need to do a hell of a lot more than adding a dress code to get those particular fans back.

As for what the players can wear at official team functions, on the bench, or at press conferences, I understand. I guess the place where it rubs me wrong is telling players what they can wear in the stands during a game. I guess it's just not clear enough to me. What if Allen Iverson attends a game between the Nets and Celtics? Does he have to abide by the dress code even if his team isn't playing? If so, why? Shouldn't the dress code only apply when he's on the job (and attending his own team's games is certainly being on the job)? And what about the headgear? No headgear while sitting on the bench or in the stands. What about on the court? Does this apply to headbands?

If a player holds a basketball camp at his old high school or something, is that considered league business, or does it at least fall into a category in which the league could try to enforce the dress code?

I'm throwing out some situations here because I'm just curious about how far the NBA would try to take this. As for whether I agree with it or not, hell, I really don't care. I understand that many people don't feel like I do, but it doesn't matter to me what the players wear or what they look like. I just wonder what the NBA is trying to do here.

[ISiddiqui]

Oh, I see. So this was in their contracs?
Please... doesn't matter if its in their contracts or not. The employer can decide what is appropriate dress at just about any job out there.

I'm sure my contract has nothing in it about a dress code, but I know I'd be told to go home if I showed up with swim shorts and flip flops!

[rkmsuf]

Oh, I see. So this was in their contracs?

Technically it is I guess since they have to abide by NBA rules. This is an NBA rule. Go play in Europe. You can even smoke in the lockeroom at halftime.

[JonInMiddleGA]

One of the silliest things I've ever seen, and the surest sign that Stern is completely out of touch with reality.

1) I think it was Iverson, one of the players at any rate, who said it best so far, something to the effect of "you can put a thug in a suit, he's still a thug, or put a good guy in a throwback & he's still a good guy". Stern seems to think that those of us turned off by the NBA are complete fuckin' idiots I guess, changing the clothes isn't going to change the people wearing them.

2) A number of things on the list seem a bit odd. I think it was M&M yesterday who pointed out that some of the stuff, like the jewelry, was more restrictive than the ESPN company dress code.

3) Reading through the list, even I find myself wondering how Stern thinks he can pass this off & it not be viewed (correctly so IMO) as racially motivated.

[rkmsuf]

One of the silliest things I've ever seen, and the surest sign that Stern is completely out of touch with reality.

1) I think it was Iverson, one of the players at any rate, who said it best so far, something to the effect of "you can put a thug in a suit, he's still a thug, or put a good guy in a throwback & he's still a good guy". Stern seems to think that those of us turned off by the NBA are complete fuckin' idiots I guess, changing the clothes isn't going to change the people wearing them.

2) A number of things on the list seem a bit odd. I think it was M&M yesterday who pointed out that some of the stuff, like the jewelry, was more restrictive than the ESPN company dress code.

3) Reading through the list, even I find myself wondering how Stern thinks he can pass this off & it not be viewed (correctly so IMO) as racially motivated.


It's just marketing. The NBA wants to attract the higher income homes and sponsors. This isn't a lot to ask and is a minor point in the grand scheme of things.

Stern may be the whitest man in America but I highly doubt he's a racist.

[stevew]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>

Here's a sampling of recent reactions from around the NBA about the new dress code:





<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=8 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=65>http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3248.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD width=65>Carter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>"I just think people should be able to express themselves. I know they took out the doo-rag stuff; I understand that. As far as guys wearing what they want to wear, I am all for that. Who really cares about what they wear from the bus to the locker room?"
-- Nets swingman Vince Carter (http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3247.jpg), quoted in the Oct. 19 New Jersey Bergen Record

"What they do, just like anything, they go to the extreme so they can get what they really want. It's like any negotiation. You ask for something completely outlandish, knowing that we'll meet you halfway when halfway is what you really wanted."
-- Nets forward Richard Jefferson (http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3523.jpg), quoted in the Oct. 19 New Jersey Bergen Record

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=8 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=65>http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3210.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD width=65>Jackson</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>"I have no problem dressing up ... because I know I'm a nice-looking guy. But as far as chains, I definitely feel that's a racial statement. Almost 100 percent of the guys in the league who are young and black wear big chains. So I definitely don't agree with that at all."
-- Pacers swingman Stephen Jackson (http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3210.jpg), quoted in the Oct. 19 Indianapolis Star

"I thought it was funny they can't wear any of the jewelry and stuff like that. That's stricter than the dress code in a lot of office buildings."
-- Heat head coach Stan Van Gundy, quoted in the Oct. 19 Washington Post

"No it's not a big deal, not to me. Sometimes you feel lazy and you don't feel like putting some clothes on, but this is a job. We are going to have fun, but this is a job and we should look like we're going to work, that's the way they feel."
-- Cavs swingman LeBron James, quoted in the Oct. 19 Cleveland Plain Dealer

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=8 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=65>http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/2626.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD width=65>Hill</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>"Personally, I like it. I like to dress up. I kind of came in [the league] when it was ... sort of an unwritten code or law or whatever, that you look nice. It even got to the extreme, with guys [who] would go all out with the designer clothes and so forth. It was a little weird, the NBA turned into a fashion show. But I think it's good."
-- Magic forward Grant Hill (http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/2626.jpg), quoted in the Oct. 19 Washington Post



"I mean, it's cool. It's not real harsh. It just changes the image a little. Guys just got to grow up I guess. They're just trying to exclude some things. It's simple to me. Guys need to go out and buy some clothes and start something new.''
-- Celtics guard Ricky Davis (http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3264.jpg), quoted in the Oct. 19 Boston Herald

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=8 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=65>http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3253.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD width=65>Pierce</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>"You knew it was coming in. I've got a couple of suits in the closet I've got to dust off. Hey, they make the rules; you've got to abide by them.''
-- Celtics swingman Paul Pierce (http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3253.jpg), quoted in the Oct. 19 Boston Herald

"The players have been dressing in prison garb the last five or six years. All the stuff that goes on, it's like gangster, thuggery stuff. It's time. It's been time to do that. But one must remember where one came from. I was wearing bib overalls when I was a player one time. But I wasn't going to the games or events in them.
-- Lakers head coach Phil Jackson, quoted in the Oct. 19 San Gabriel Valley Tribune

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=8 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=65>http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3416.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD width=65>Mason</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>"I don't have that many suits; I may have to recycle. I can't go to Men's Wearhouse because my arms are too long. I can make it work, though. If you've got 10 suits, you've really got 30. You just have to mix and match 'em right."
-- Bucks guard Desmond Mason (http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3416.jpg), quoted in the Oct. 19 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"I think anything you impose on players, the first reaction is going to be, 'Nah, I don't want to do that.' We fight a little bit about change. But in the end, when it all settles, and you start to realize why, and guys will come in and they'll feel good about how they're dressed and things like that, hopefully they'll start to embrace it."
-- Knicks forward Antonio Davis (http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/2143.jpg), quoted in the Oct. 19 New York Times



<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=8 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=65>http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3247.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD width=65>Jamison</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>"As far as when we're traveling, I don't see that as being necessary. We're the first ones at the arenas so no one sees us and then we're out of here and on a plane where no one sees us so why does it matter what we're wearing?"
-- Wizards forward Antawn Jamison (http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3247.jpg), quoted in the Oct. 13 Washington Post



"If you want to cut the jeans out, I think that's fine. I just don't think you should have to wear a suit and tie all the time, especially [on] plane rides."
-- Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3621), talking with FSN's Detroit Sports Report this week

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=8 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=65>http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3329.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD width=65>Szczerbiak</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>"I think they're coming on way too strict. Movie stars in L.A., they're not always in jackets and ties, and they're setting trends, and we're looked at in the same light."
-- Timberwolves forward Wally Szczerbiak (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3329), quoted in the Oct. 7 Minneapolis Star-Tribune

"There is no GM dress code. We're not on the bench, luckily. I think if we were, I would have a problem."
-- Nuggets GM Kiki Vandeweghe, telling the Rocky Mountain News on Oct. 7 about failing Doug Moe's dress code back in his playing days

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=8 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=65>http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3080.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD width=65>Allen</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>"Sometimes, getting on the plane, with the distances we fly, you need to be comfortable. I think there is a way to be classy and dress up. I think the dress code should strictly [enforce] what guys wear on the bench when they are not playing. That is when guys are most visible. But when we are on the plane, that is when we are most leisurely. I don't think that should matter. Wearing a sweat suit with a team logo on it? What sense does that make?"
-- Sonics guard Ray Allen (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3080), quoted in the Oct. 18 Tacoma News Tribune

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=8 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=65>http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3347.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD width=65>Kirilenko</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>"I don't think it's quite comfortable, but it's probably reasonable because NBA is a big organization around the world. We're like businessmen, and businessmen wear coats and suits."
-- Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3347), Salt Lake City Tribune on Oct. 18

"I'm a dresser, so it's not going to be that much of a change for me."
-- Raptors guard-forward Jalen Rose (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3347), quoted by the Canadian Press on Oct. 6



"I'm actually glad they're doing it because some people come to these games looking wrong." -- Bobcats forward Melvin Ely (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3610), in Charlotte Observer Oct. 7



<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=8 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=65>http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3422.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD width=65>Stevenson</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>"You get into a city at 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning off a back-to-back, you don't want to have put all of that stuff on."
-- Magic guard DeShawn Stevenson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3422), who recently wore a shirt to practice featuring the image of bikini-clad Halle Berry. This garnered approval of teammates, according to an Oct. 7 Florida Today story.

The experts chime in. The Jewelry restriction is pretty stupid i think.
<!--end leftcol --></TD><TD width=15><SPACER width="15" type="block" height="1"></TD><TD class=rightcell vAlign=top width=195><!-- begin rightcol --><!-- begin also see -->Also Seehttp://espn-att.starwave.com/i/story/design05/tab_center.gif

Pacers' Jackson calls ban on chains 'racist' (http://x.go.com/cgi/x.pl?goto=http%3A%2f%2fsports.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fnews%2fstory%3Fid%3D2197001&name=ALSOSEEHeadlines-Story&srvc=sz)
Pacers guard Stephen Jackson ...

Stern certain of dress code compliance (http://x.go.com/cgi/x.pl?goto=http%3A%2f%2fsports.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fnews%2fstory%3Fid%3D2195141&name=ALSOSEEHeadlines-Story&srvc=sz)
NBA commissioner David Stern ...

NBA adopts dress code (http://x.go.com/cgi/x.pl?goto=http%3A%2f%2fsports.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fnews%2fstory%3Fid%3D2194537&name=ALSOSEEHeadlines-Story&srvc=sz)
The NBA announced in a memo ...





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[rkmsuf]

"I mean, it's cool. It's not real harsh. It just changes the image a little. Guys just got to grow up I guess. They're just trying to exclude some things. It's simple to me. Guys need to go out and buy some clothes and start something new.''
-- Celtics guard Ricky Davis, quoted in the Oct. 19 Boston Herald


Pierce
"You knew it was coming in. I've got a couple of suits in the closet I've got to dust off. Hey, they make the rules; you've got to abide by them.''
-- Celtics swingman Paul Pierce, quoted in the Oct. 19 Boston Herald


The C's get it! Booyah!

[stevew]

I especially value the opinions of Hill, Jefferson, Jackson and Carter as they have spent quite a bit of time watching the game from the sidelines in street clothes

[RPI-Fan]

Just FYI, I'm someone who IS more likely to be ever so slightly more interested in the NBA because of this kind of thing.

Kirlinko says it best -- the NBA is a business, and people in business (usually) wear dress clothes.

<i>Edit: Also, for the guy who said nobody sees the players on and off the bus. People DO see you. There are ALWAYS TV cameras. It's just like with any kind of business firm. Even if there are never outside visitors to the office, you still dress up. Why? Because it promotes an atmosphere of professionalism. And in case there ARE people watching, you look like you're doing a job.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I hadn't even thought about the plane rides. I find that part pretty disturbing. I understand that there are usually photographers outside a team plane when teams are arriving for playoff games or something, but come on. Some of these teams have to cover 10000 miles in five or six days. If that's not a time for them to be comfortable, what is?

I try to stay out of racial discussions here because they almost always turn to utter shit, but I think Stephen Jackson is a little off base to say that the ban on chains is a racial statement. I don't think David Stern and his cronies who helped him with this were thinking that they need to take away a black man's identity. What are you going to do? Ban the headgear, the shorts, the t-shirts, and let the guys wear a shot of freakin' anchor chain around their necks? The chain certainly wouldn't fit with the rest of the dress code as it is written right now. I don't agree with every point of the dress code, but at least they're trying to be somewhat consistent about the types of clothing.

As for the NBA having a hip-hop market, it's obvious that the league is big in that market. Still, when players started dressing in and acting out "thuggery stuff" (to use Phil Jackson's words), the NBA lost a lot more fans than they'll lose because of a dress code. I don't think the "thugs" who watch the NBA now are going to stop watching just because Allen Iverson can't wear his stuff to a press conference anymore. Will they complain? Yes. Will they feel that their voice is being stifled? Probably. Will they boycott the NBA? Hell no.

Market share, folks. Market share.

[RPI-Fan]

I hadn't even thought about the plane rides. I find that part pretty disturbing. I understand that there are usually photographers outside a team plane when teams are arriving for playoff games or something, but come on. Some of these teams have to cover 10000 miles in five or six days. If that's not a time for them to be comfortable, what is?

Business people have to fly on planes all the time... and what do they wear on planes? Shirts & ties. Why should it be any different for NBA players?

[rkmsuf]

Business people have to fly on planes all the time... and what do they wear on planes? Shirts & ties. Why should it be any different for NBA players?

because they are mutil-millionaire babies?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Business people have to fly on planes all the time... and what do they wear on planes? Shirts & ties. Why should it be any different for NBA players?
That is a valid point. I'll admit that I'm willing to cut professional athletes a little slack considering the amount of physical work that goes into their jobs. I acknowledge that many people would find that silly, but so be it. If David Stern had to work out for hours and then run up and down a basketball court three or four times a week for a game, I wouldn't be asking him to get all dressed up for a private flight on NBA Force One or whatever he flies on.

Yes, it's a double standard. I know.

[Fidatelo]

I like how Wally Sczerbiak compares himself to movie stars. Way to stay grounded, fool.

[stevew]

I am thinking that for as much money as these guys do make, that they could probably afford "dress" clothes that are comfortable as well.

At least this gives some company like Sean John a whole new line of merchandise to create/manufacture.

[Karlifornia]

I guess if Allen Iverson wants to dress like a 10-year-old, he should be able to do it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Just FYI, I'm someone who IS more likely to be ever so slightly more interested in the NBA because of this kind of thing.

You have got to be fucking kidding here, right?

I'm not ripping on you FWIW, I just honestly & truly don't get why this would matter one iota.

Surely you don't think that these guys suddenly change somehow just because they're in $1k suits instead of $1k worth of Reeboks & old jerseys.

Honest to God, I just don't get this at all.

(And that's coming from one of the whitest guys on the planet AND a guy who is all about demographics)

[Coder]

I think it's a bit extreme. In Europe, the big soccer clubs usually have their players wear suits.. but then you have guys like Freddie Ljungberg in Arsenal..woohaa.. he's got this weird hat-fetish

http://expressen.se/content/1/c6/44/69/48/9b6509c9.jpg

[Young Drachma]

This is stupid and is one more reason that I hate David Stern and his league.

[Hurst2112]

I like how Wally Sczerbiak compares himself to movie stars. Way to stay grounded, fool.

Well, he does do commercials up here. ;)

Think of the marketing. Now, you will be able to get NBA licensed stuff at The Men's Warehouse!

It will be nice to see all the thugs hangin out downtown in better looking clothes too.

[zums]

funniest part to me is Stephen Jackson saying he's a good looking guy. umm.. no

-zums

[Buccaneer]

3. Excluded Items
The following is a list of items that players are not allowed to wear while on team or league business:
• Sleeveless shirts.
• Shorts.
• T-shirts, jerseys, or sports apparel (unless appropriate for the event (e.g., a basketball clinic), team-identified, and approved by the team).
• Headgear of any kind while a player is sitting on the bench or in the stands at a game, during media interviews, or during a team or league event or appearance (unless appropriate for the event or appearance, team-identified, and approved by the team).
• Chains, pendants, or medallions worn over the player's clothes.
• Sunglasses while indoors.
• Headphones (other than on the team bus or plane, or in the team locker room).

One would conclude that it might be *GASP* wrong to be wearing shit like that?

But then again, I'm the one that never ever owned a suit and wears jeans and t-shirts/denim shirts to work everyday.

[21C]

What's the bet that someone is going to try bending the rules. Like it says "A long or short-sleeved dress shirt" - it doesn't say anything about the shirt being buttoned. It won't be long before someone tries testing the league on stuff like that.

[WrongWay]

I do not see what the big deal is the NFL has been doing this for years.

Also, I am assuming they will follow the NFL's lead and only fine players. I wonder if this is the NBA's attempt to finance the WNBA?

[WrongWay]

Question: What happens if this somehow violates the endorsement contracts that the players have signed?

Maybe a Player is getting paid to wear that $50.00 reebok cap, that $300.00 Nike throwback jersy, or how about those $250.00 adidas shoes?

I bet even David Stern himself has some type of clothing contract.

[miami_fan]

I do not see what the big deal is the NFL has been doing this for years.

Also, I am assuming they will follow the NFL's lead and only fine players. I wonder if this is the NBA's attempt to finance the WNBA?

The NFL does this? I am not sure on this one. Do the folks on Monday Night Countdown make fun of folks who show up look less than professional still? I remember Jake Plummer looking really ridiculous once and they ripped him for it.

[miami_fan]

One of the silliest things I've ever seen, and the surest sign that Stern is completely out of touch with reality.

1) I think it was Iverson, one of the players at any rate, who said it best so far, something to the effect of "you can put a thug in a suit, he's still a thug, or put a good guy in a throwback & he's still a good guy". Stern seems to think that those of us turned off by the NBA are complete fuckin' idiots I guess, changing the clothes isn't going to change the people wearing them.

2) A number of things on the list seem a bit odd. I think it was M&M yesterday who pointed out that some of the stuff, like the jewelry, was more restrictive than the ESPN company dress code.

3) Reading through the list, even I find myself wondering how Stern thinks he can pass this off & it not be viewed (correctly so IMO) as racially motivated.


You have got to be fucking kidding here, right?

I'm not ripping on you FWIW, I just honestly & truly don't get why this would matter one iota.

Surely you don't think that these guys suddenly change somehow just because they're in $1k suits instead of $1k worth of Reeboks & old jerseys.

Honest to God, I just don't get this at all.

(And that's coming from one of the whitest guys on the planet AND a guy who is all about demographics)

Give this man a round of applause.

[WrongWay]

The NFL does this? I am not sure on this one. Do the folks on Monday Night Countdown make fun of folks who show up look less than professional still? I remember Jake Plummer looking really ridiculous once and they ripped him for it.
I wonder if it is a Team Dress Code?
They adhered to the team dress code by wearing sport coats and slacks on the flight down. Some, like quarterback Rich Gannon, wore ties.
And, then there was that crazy article about a coach who wanted to wear his Dad's suit and Tie for a game to honor his father after his death, but the NFL said "NO" because it was not an approved brand.

[Gary Gorski]

I just honestly & truly don't get why this would matter one iota.

Surely you don't think that these guys suddenly change somehow just because they're in $1k suits instead of $1k worth of Reeboks & old jerseys.

Honest to God, I just don't get this at all.

(And that's coming from one of the whitest guys on the planet AND a guy who is all about demographics)

JIMGA - first off Im an NBA guy so I already like the league but I mean look at the complaints people have about the NBA. They say its a league full of thugs and its all hip-hop and the basketball is just glorified streetball - stuff like that. Those are stereotypical and racially motivated complaints by some people who no longer like the NBA.

I think that Stern is actually pretty smart for bringing this about and if the players are smart they will toe the line and go along with it because it will mean more money in their pockets. The salary cap is determined based on BRI (basketball related income) - the people who buy AI jerseys are still going to buy them if he comes to games dressed in a suit but you are going to get a group of people who hate guys like AI to come back and watch because they are no longer dressing like rappers from MTV. It will increase the bottom line and allow the players to get more money in the end.

I don't know how you can deny that - maybe you won't like the NBA any more than you do now but perception is everything and some people perceive these guys to be thugs and bad guys because of how they dress. Iverson is right - a thug in a suit is a thug and a good guy in throwbacks is a good guy but to some of these lost fans who know nothing about the life of a person - they see just another thug in hip hop clothes. The guy could be the nicest, most generous guy but because he wears a throwback with some gold chains and has his hair done in cornrows he's a thug to them.

Stern is trying to bring back the image from the glory days of the NBA. He wants Bird, Magic, MJ, Isiah etc shown in today's players. How many times did Magic or Jordan go somewhere looking like something other than a business man? Stern knows he can cash in on that - that's why the dress code is being implemented.

Is race a part of the decision? Absolutely. But I don't see it as Stern being racist against black players who this dress code is obviously aimed at but as Stern trying to play to as many people as he can. Stern's not saying he's going to have spies following players to see what they wear out to the movies or make sure there's no rap music on their iPods or something. I think he looks at it as trying to take advantage of a segment of the market.

You have to admit that some of the people who once liked the NBA but now do not feel that way because of their own racial feelings and prejudices. They had no problem with black superstars as long as they dressed and acted like they weren't a guy they try to avoid walking by on the sidewalk in the city. Its the same group of people that start a sentence with "I'm not a racist but..." - you know damn well how that sentence is going to go. Well those people have money too and the NBA and its players are not getting any of it when they once were and this is a ploy to get that money back.

I think its naive to think that all people who have stopped following the NBA have done so without race being a factor in that decision. I think this has a good chance of bringing some of those people back without losing many of their current fans. I'm not saying anyone here is a racist or that if this helps your interest in the NBA you are a racist - maybe you just think the players looked unprofessional and now they will look nicer and you are interested - fine. But there is a market segment out there that has money, wants to spend it on sports, used to spend it on the NBA but now doesn't simply because what the players look like and what they percieve them to be.

[stevew]

Im suprised he hasnt tried to ban cornrows. That hairstyle is polarizing to some people.

[Joe Canadian]

Occasionally I'll throw on a basketball jersey, and a pair of baggy shorts to go to the mall or whatever... but I'm not going to go to work wearing that.

If the reasoning behind this move is to somehow change the players, then it's stupid... but I still think they should have some sort of dress code. These guys are working and a certain level of professionalism wouldn't hurt.

[Noop]

That shit is racially motived period. Anyone who thinks it is not is a fucking fool.

[RPI-Fan]

You have got to be fucking kidding here, right?

I'm not ripping on you FWIW, I just honestly & truly don't get why this would matter one iota.

Surely you don't think that these guys suddenly change somehow just because they're in $1k suits instead of $1k worth of Reeboks & old jerseys.

Honest to God, I just don't get this at all.

(And that's coming from one of the whitest guys on the planet AND a guy who is all about demographics)

I don't know, call me old-fashioned. But I always loved how hockey players always wear suits to the arena... made things look professional, even when they weren't (in college).

[hukarez]

Saw this on the Foo:

http://www.bodog.com/sports-betting/nba-basketball-props.jsp

[st.cronin]

I think it's really weird that some of you actually have opinions on this.

[Logan]

And, then there was that crazy article about a coach who wanted to wear his Dad's suit and Tie for a game to honor his father after his death, but the NFL said "NO" because it was not an approved brand.

Do you always add in bullshit just to make your point seem more valid and dramatic?

49ERS NOTEBOOK
NFL says Nolan cannot 'suit' up

Coach Mike Nolan recently petitioned the NFL to allow him to wear a suit on the sidelines during game days.

"To me, it's professional. I think it's respectful," Nolan said. "There was certainly no deal, no one came to me, there was nothing to gain. I wasn't trying to put the spotlight on me. But what I was trying to say, there's somebody in charge and this is what they look like."

The league turned Nolan down. Head coaches must wear the NFL-sanctioned team garb.

"There were marketing issues and sales issues, all that stuff," Nolan lamented. Beyond wanting to look the part of a man in charge, Nolan also viewed it as a tribute to his father, Dick, who was the coach of the 49ers from 1968-75.

"I must say looking at the pictures of my dad -- they are all around my office -- I thought, 'I'm going to do that.' But they are not going to let me."

Go bitch about Michelle Wie.

[JW]

The fact that this is a news item and that some players are upset about it says more about those players than anything else. It reminds me of high school kids bitching about the dress code. After a while, when a few millionaire NBA players toss around words like 'slavery' and 'racism' in regards to everything they don't like, it kind of goes in one ear and out the other.

[Joe Canadian]

That shit is racially motived period. Anyone who thinks it is not is a fucking fool.

I'm a fucking fool!

[ISiddiqui]

Do you always add in bullshit just to make your point seem more valid and dramatic?
Wait... didn't your article confirm exactly what you quoted from WrongWay? What bullshit did he add?!

[stevew]

Wait... didn't your article confirm exactly what you quoted from WrongWay? What bullshit did he add?!
Not really. I think the genius was confusing something such as Peyton Mannings attempt to honor Johnny Unitas via the black shoes tribute, with Nolan's request to wear a suit on the sidelines. While Nolan's suit wasnt out of a tribute to anyone, he just wanted to wear one. But it was dramatized, aka bullshit added.

[JimboJ]

I want to meet the knucklehead that says, "Gosh I wasn't a fan of the NBA because of the way those players dressed, but now that they wear respectable clothes, by golly I'm going to become a fan!"

I have yet to run into an NBA player in an airport, or hotel lobby, or on the street. The only time I ever see one is on TV. Most of the time they are on the court, in uniform, playing. The only other time I might see them is in the locker room during a post-game press conference. And who the hell cares what they wear in the locker room. ITS A FUCKING LOCKER ROOM!

So they are forced to wear suits on team planes and busses for few dozen people that might see them and recognize them. And those people are most likley either groupies or autograph seekers, who are already fans to begin with and couldn't care less what the players are wearing.

[Antmeister]

JIMGA - first off Im an NBA guy so I already like the league but I mean look at the complaints people have about the NBA. They say its a league full of thugs and its all hip-hop and the basketball is just glorified streetball - stuff like that. Those are stereotypical and racially motivated complaints by some people who no longer like the NBA.

I think that Stern is actually pretty smart for bringing this about and if the players are smart they will toe the line and go along with it because it will mean more money in their pockets. The salary cap is determined based on BRI (basketball related income) - the people who buy AI jerseys are still going to buy them if he comes to games dressed in a suit but you are going to get a group of people who hate guys like AI to come back and watch because they are no longer dressing like rappers from MTV. It will increase the bottom line and allow the players to get more money in the end.

I don't know how you can deny that - maybe you won't like the NBA any more than you do now but perception is everything and some people perceive these guys to be thugs and bad guys because of how they dress. Iverson is right - a thug in a suit is a thug and a good guy in throwbacks is a good guy but to some of these lost fans who know nothing about the life of a person - they see just another thug in hip hop clothes. The guy could be the nicest, most generous guy but because he wears a throwback with some gold chains and has his hair done in cornrows he's a thug to them.

Stern is trying to bring back the image from the glory days of the NBA. He wants Bird, Magic, MJ, Isiah etc shown in today's players. How many times did Magic or Jordan go somewhere looking like something other than a business man? Stern knows he can cash in on that - that's why the dress code is being implemented.

Is race a part of the decision? Absolutely. But I don't see it as Stern being racist against black players who this dress code is obviously aimed at but as Stern trying to play to as many people as he can. Stern's not saying he's going to have spies following players to see what they wear out to the movies or make sure there's no rap music on their iPods or something. I think he looks at it as trying to take advantage of a segment of the market.

You have to admit that some of the people who once liked the NBA but now do not feel that way because of their own racial feelings and prejudices. They had no problem with black superstars as long as they dressed and acted like they weren't a guy they try to avoid walking by on the sidewalk in the city. Its the same group of people that start a sentence with "I'm not a racist but..." - you know damn well how that sentence is going to go. Well those people have money too and the NBA and its players are not getting any of it when they once were and this is a ploy to get that money back.

I think its naive to think that all people who have stopped following the NBA have done so without race being a factor in that decision. I think this has a good chance of bringing some of those people back without losing many of their current fans. I'm not saying anyone here is a racist or that if this helps your interest in the NBA you are a racist - maybe you just think the players looked unprofessional and now they will look nicer and you are interested - fine. But there is a market segment out there that has money, wants to spend it on sports, used to spend it on the NBA but now doesn't simply because what the players look like and what they percieve them to be.


Gary I am reading this thoroughly and I am not getting your arguement. You are basically saying that you admit that it is racially motivated, but that the NBA players should just go along with it.

I hear a number of arguments that this is a business and that NBA players should dress in this manner, yet I don't know too many business people who work in jerseys. And what will the NBA do if they decide to wear vibrant colors, extravagant watches, unbuttoned shirts, etc. Is this going to be considered "pimp wear" and another rule change going to be enforced? Are cornrows, earrings or rings going to be banned?

And the thug comments sort of bother me. I don't go around identifying someone with a shaved head as a "skin head". I don't identify someone as being a "wife beater" because he wears a white tank and old jeans. And I don't indentify someone as a stoner just because someone has long hair and wears a Metallica shirt.

But yet it amazes me that one can simply call someone a thug because they listen to hip hop and have corn rows in their hair. Go to Los Angeles and San Diego and you will be amazed on the racial diversity in a hip hop club. It's not exclusive to one race as most people think.

And to me this will not change a darn thing. There are a number of players who have left the NBA to work some gigs on television and they dress appropriately for the jobs in business suits. But if a person disliked that person, they will continue to dislike that person regardless of the change of dress.

Look at Deion Sanders (on the football end). Deion used to be always decked out in jewelry outside of the game and even had a cane. He dressed in a suit, but people classified him as a pimp. He even called himself a pimp. So the players will find creative ways to express themselves while still going with the rules and it wont' change one's perception about that player one bit.

[JimboJ]

There's an easy way the players can get rid of this ridiculous rule. Start dressing like pimps. Purple, red, orange and yellow suits, big floppy hats. They'll have Stern begging them to go back to wearing t-shirts and retro jerseys.

[JW]

Actually the league could improve its image more by just making the players get rid of the skorts and go back to shorts -- not the highrise old school shorts, but at least above the knee. Oh, and keep the jerseys tucked in, even when on the bench. But then that would probably be racist in some folks' eyes.

And the difference between Clyde and some of these guys is that Clyde had (and has) style.

[ISiddiqui]

Not really. I think the genius was confusing something such as Peyton Mannings attempt to honor Johnny Unitas via the black shoes tribute, with Nolan's request to wear a suit on the sidelines. While Nolan's suit wasnt out of a tribute to anyone, he just wanted to wear one. But it was dramatized, aka bullshit added.Well even the article said it was partly a tribute to his father. And that's how I remembered it as well.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Actually the league could improve its image more by just making the players get rid of the skorts and go back to shorts -- not the highrise old school shorts, but at least above the knee. Oh, and keep the jerseys tucked in, even when on the bench.
I can see where you're coming from with the jerseys being tucked in, but what does the length of the shorts have to do with the image?

[Young Drachma]

Actually the league could improve its image more by just making the players get rid of the skorts and go back to shorts -- not the highrise old school shorts, but at least above the knee. Oh, and keep the jerseys tucked in, even when on the bench. But then that would probably be racist in some folks' eyes.

And the difference between Clyde and some of these guys is that Clyde had (and has) style.

Even tennis players these days are wearing the longer shorts. I don't see what's "urban" about wearing shorts that don't hug up your ass. It's one thing to not look like a slob, but...I don't see what the big deal is with long shorts. Though I think that's a generational thing, rather than having anything to do with race.

[DanGarion]

According to this article the NHL has had this policy for years.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?id=2198862

[Gary Gorski]

Gary I am reading this thoroughly and I am not getting your arguement. You are basically saying that you admit that it is racially motivated, but that the NBA players should just go along with it.

Yes I think race plays a part in this decision and I think that the racial feelings of some people have caused them to stop following the NBA. Why were some people fans when guys like Jordan, Magic, Dr J, Barkley, Dominique Wilkins etc were the superstars in the league but now can't stand the NBA? Oh, those guys didn't have cornrows and tattoos and weren't hip-hop looking guys on or off the court. It's sad to think that someone would actually stop being a fan simply because they stereotype a certain look on a certain race of people but to think that doesn't happen is incredibly naive. And yes, I am suggesting the players go along with it because it will put more money in their pockets and I don't feel that asking them to dress in suits is discriminating or degrading to the players.

And what will the NBA do if they decide to wear vibrant colors, extravagant watches, unbuttoned shirts, etc. Is this going to be considered "pimp wear" and another rule change going to be enforced? Are cornrows, earrings or rings going to be banned?

I don't think Stern is going to come down on things like watches or rings. I could see him ruling on the style and colors of the suits though. I don't think he's going to get into hairstyles though.

And the thug comments sort of bother me. I don't go around identifying someone with a shaved head as a "skin head". I don't identify someone as being a "wife beater" because he wears a white tank and old jeans. And I don't indentify someone as a stoner just because someone has long hair and wears a Metallica shirt.

I don't identify someone in cornrows wearing a throwback jersey as a thug but some people do just as some people make the stereotypical connections you brought up there and I do think that is a factor in why a percentage of people no longer like the NBA.

But if a person disliked that person, they will continue to dislike that person regardless of the change of dress.

True, but Stern's decisions are never a quick fix - they are long term plans like the globalization of the NBA. 99% of people probably won't change their feelings on Iverson based on how he dresses but what about the new guys coming into the league? Everyone's first impression of them will be with this dress code.

This is a minor decision aimed at a minor populace (I hope) IMO. Most people who are not NBA fans will not suddenly become NBA fans because the players are in suits. But there is a percentage of people who once were fans but are no longer and why is that? There's plenty of good players. They're on TV alot. There are alot of nice arenas. What is different from the 80's and early 90's? There are only two things I can think of and they are that the game is more individual orientated and that the hip-hop, urban culture has become much more prevelant through the league. I get the people who don't like it because its more one-on-one than it used to be - I don't particularly like that aspect either but I still like the league and its players.

As dumbfounding as it sounds you can't tell me that there has not been at least one wealthy, middle aged white business man who stopped buying a luxury suite at an arena because in their mind they equate today's players as a whole with rappers and "thugs" because of what they look like. Its sad to think something like that could happen but it does and I've heard as much so I know its out there and I think this is a ploy to get some people who feel that way to put their money back into the NBA without alienating the fan base that is there now.

[st.cronin]

That might be the stupidest thing I've ever heard, that it's somehow 'racist' to ask people to abide by a perfectly reasonable dress code.

[Pumpy Tudors]

That might be the stupidest thing I've ever heard, that it's somehow 'racist' to ask people to abide by a perfectly reasonable dress code.
Regardless of whether I agree with their thinking or not, I think you're misinterpreting. Some people would label it "racist" because the dress code may appear to be in place to remove "hip-hop clothing" which, stereotypically, many more black players are likely to wear than others. The racism statements aren't coming from what's being included in the dress code. They're coming from what's being excluded.

[DanGarion]

I have a dress code at work. So can I claim racism?

[Antmeister]

That might be the stupidest thing I've ever heard, that it's somehow 'racist' to ask people to abide by a perfectly reasonable dress code.

I have a dress code at work. So can I claim racism?

Um...do you wear a jersey to work. When you are on your off-hours, does someone tell you what you should wear in order to represent the company in a better manner.

Their workplace is the court. If they have a dress code for the court, then you have to abide by the dress code and there is no arguement. If you even want to argue that press conferences follow the same logic that they are still in business, I will give you that also. But I think it goes way too far to tell them to dress when they go on a plane and dress up when you are watching a game.

[Antmeister]

Yes I think race plays a part in this decision and I think that the racial feelings of some people have caused them to stop following the NBA. Why were some people fans when guys like Jordan, Magic, Dr J, Barkley, Dominique Wilkins etc were the superstars in the league but now can't stand the NBA? Oh, those guys didn't have cornrows and tattoos and weren't hip-hop looking guys on or off the court. It's sad to think that someone would actually stop being a fan simply because they stereotype a certain look on a certain race of people but to think that doesn't happen is incredibly naive. And yes, I am suggesting the players go along with it because it will put more money in their pockets and I don't feel that asking them to dress in suits is discriminating or degrading to the players.


Oh I agree that dressing in a suit is no where degrading, but I don't follow the logic that it means they will have more money in their pockets and there are a number of reasons for that. If that same person is someone that a person dislikes, they will continue to dislike this person regardless of whether he wears a suit or not.

Dennis Rodman is the perfect example of this. People aren't going to all of the sudden begin to like him a lot more because he wears a suit.

The reason why the NBA has seen a decline has nothing to do with people not adhering to a business casual dress code. It has to do with the fact that the game has been promoted as a individual sport and some long time NBA fans were turned off because these are the type of players that the NBA had brought into the league. Thank goodness that they are now tapping into the European market, because it has brought a number of players who are basically raised to play it like a team sport.

But all it all, it probably won't matter anyways because I think the dress code is going to be adopted by a majority of players because they had already been wearing suits for quite some time (mostly the veterans). As you can even see by the intereviews above a majority of them don't even have a problem with it. My arguements only deal with the fact that this decision won't fix anything. They have to deal more with ridiculous ticket prices, overpriced merchandise, overhyped players, and the fact that there are probably less than 5 real teams.

[WrongWay]

Do you always add in bullshit just to make your point seem more valid and dramatic?



Go bitch about Michelle Wie.
His fathers name is Dick Nolan. A former coach of San Fran. And, wearing his father's suit and tie at a game was a way for him to honor his father.


Hey, you might try to at least read the entire article and not just the Big words next time....idiot!

[Joe Canadian]

Um...do you wear a jersey to work. When you are on your off-hours, does someone tell you what you should wear in order to represent the company in a better manner.

Unless I didn't understand this story... this isn't what the NBA dress code says. The NBA is not trying to tell player what to wear when they are on their own time... they are telling them what to wear on league business when they aren't on the court.

[Antmeister]

Unless I didn't understand this story... this isn't what the NBA dress code says. The NBA is not trying to tell player what to wear when they are on their own time... they are telling them what to wear on league business when they aren't on the court.



At first I thought along the same lines until I read this rule here.

2. Exceptions to Business Casual
There are the following exceptions to the general policy of Business Casual attire:
a. Players In Attendance At Games But Not In Uniform
Players who are in attendance at games but not in uniform are required to wear the following additional items when seated on the bench or in the stands during the game

Plus I need to hear what the true definition of league business is supposed to be. Like I said earlier, their true workplace is the court. I will even give the post game press conference, but many can still wear a jersey for that. So when are they supposed to abide by this rule? When they travel? When they eat together? When they check into their rooms? Strictly post game interviews? Any time they interview? When they are watching an NBA game? When they are only watching from the sidelines of their own team? What will be defined as league business?

[JonInMiddleGA]

...they equate today's players as a whole with rappers and "thugs" because of what they look like.

Here's the thing though Gary, I don't believe it's so much what they look like as what they act like. And the dress code isn't going to address that.

(You could probably read Ant's comments in the thread to get a pretty good summary of my take on this whole ridiculous mess).

[Solecismic]

The NBA lost me when it eliminated the zone defense and alienated me when it legalized constant fouling to make up for the lack of defensive skills.

I'm not coming back even if they play in three-piece suits and penny loafers. Fix the rules problems, limit coaches to two time outs per half and maybe I'll watch another NBA game in my lifetime. I can't even tell you who won the last few NBA championships without Googling.

[st.cronin]

At first I thought along the same lines until I read this rule here.

2. Exceptions to Business Casual
There are the following exceptions to the general policy of Business Casual attire:
a. Players In Attendance At Games But Not In Uniform
Players who are in attendance at games but not in uniform are required to wear the following additional items when seated on the bench or in the stands during the game

Plus I need to hear what the true definition of league business is supposed to be. Like I said earlier, their true workplace is the court. I will even give the post game press conference, but many can still wear a jersey for that. So when are they supposed to abide by this rule? When they travel? When they eat together? When they check into their rooms? Strictly post game interviews? Any time they interview? When they are watching an NBA game? When they are only watching from the sidelines of their own team? What will be defined as league business?

It is a much different thing to argue about whether the details of a dress code are 'fair' than to state that a dress code is 'racist.' Asserting that the NBA is racist for implementing a dress code for their players (of all heritages) is preposterous.

[Antmeister]

It is a much different thing to argue about whether the details of a dress code are 'fair' than to state that a dress code is 'racist.' Asserting that the NBA is racist for implementing a dress code for their players (of all heritages) is preposterous.

Read my posts, I never actually said this was racist. Ridiculous, yes. And the only time I mention race was when I was referring to Gary's arguement.

[st.cronin]

Read my posts, I never actually said this was racist. Ridiculous, yes. And the only time I mention race was when I was referring to Gary's arguement.

Sorry, I didn't mean to put words in your mouth.

[st.cronin]

dola

I still think it's totally bizarre that people that don't play in the NBA or make a living off it actually have opinions about this. It's even more bizarre, in my eyes, that people think it's actually racist.

[JonInMiddleGA]

It's even more bizarre, in my eyes, that people think it's actually racist.

That's okay St., I have the same reaction to those who can claim (with a straight face) that this isn't racially motivated.

[Logan]

His fathers name is Dick Nolan. A former coach of San Fran. And, wearing his father's suit and tie at a game was a way for him to honor his father.


Hey, you might try to at least read the entire article and not just the Big words next time....idiot!

Let's try this again.

You claim he wants to WEAR HIS DEAD FATHER'S CLOTHES as a tribute.

The article says he wants to wear a suit and tie because "To me, it's professional. I think it's respectful," Nolan said. "There was certainly no deal, no one came to me, there was nothing to gain. I wasn't trying to put the spotlight on me. But what I was trying to say, there's somebody in charge and this is what they look like."

It goes on to add: "Beyond wanting to look the part of a man in charge, Nolan also viewed it as a tribute to his father, Dick, who was the coach of the 49ers from 1968-75.

"I must say looking at the pictures of my dad -- they are all around my office -- I thought, 'I'm going to do that.' But they are not going to let me."

Now can you please explain to me where he said he wanted to wear his dead father's ACTUAL suit and tie, which is what you're claiming? Hence, the adding bullshit to overdramatize your point.

[Joe Canadian]

At first I thought along the same lines until I read this rule here.

2. Exceptions to Business Casual
There are the following exceptions to the general policy of Business Casual attire:
a. Players In Attendance At Games But Not In Uniform
Players who are in attendance at games but not in uniform are required to wear the following additional items when seated on the bench or in the stands during the game

Plus I need to hear what the true definition of league business is supposed to be. Like I said earlier, their true workplace is the court. I will even give the post game press conference, but many can still wear a jersey for that. So when are they supposed to abide by this rule? When they travel? When they eat together? When they check into their rooms? Strictly post game interviews? Any time they interview? When they are watching an NBA game? When they are only watching from the sidelines of their own team? What will be defined as league business?

I'm still not buying the argument that they are forcing players to dress a certain way on their own time. They are employed by the NBA, when they are on the bench, even if they are injured, they are in their place of work...

[rkmsuf]

anybody who thinks this is racially motivated is a tool.

[JW]

Even tennis players these days are wearing the longer shorts. I don't see what's "urban" about wearing shorts that don't hug up your ass. It's one thing to not look like a slob, but...I don't see what the big deal is with long shorts. Though I think that's a generational thing, rather than having anything to do with race.

Actually I was wrong. Seems the NBA does have a short length requirement, i.e., not below the knee, though it doesn't seem to be routinelly enforced. But don't get me wrong, I am only talking about keeping the shorts to the top of the knee. And the NBA is not as bad about this as college or HS, where some players wear shorts well below the knee with the crotch just about knee level. It does look silly -- and I've seen some players who have had to do this constantly -- to have to reach down and hike your shorts up just to get into a defensive posture. When the crotch of your shorts is at knee level, it can restrict movement.

[JW]

One of my favorite columnists, Leonard Pitts, weighs in on the issue. Since the race card has already been played here, I will mention for those who don't know that Pitts is black.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/columnists/leonard_pitts/12979614.htm

Personal foul called on the gangsta look

By Leonard Pitts Jr.


I am trying to feel Marcus Camby's pain. I am also trying to keep a straight face. I cannot do both.

Camby, for those who never read the sports page, is a very tall man who is paid $8 million per annum to play basketball for the Denver Nuggets. You'd think life would be good, but Camby is feeling put upon.

This is because last week the National Basketball Association instituted a dress code for its players. No more sunglasses worn indoors, no more sleeveless shirts, no more headphones during news conferences, no more caps cocked to the side, no more do-rags, no more rumpled sweats, no more chains bearing gaudy pendants the approximate size and weight of a small child. Business casual dress is now required of every player while on team business.

CLOTHING ALLOWANCE?

Camby feels this is an unfair burden. He told a reporter that if the NBA wants to impose a dress code, it should give each player a clothing allowance.

Did I mention that Camby is paid $8 million a year?

Of course, not every NBA player who opposes the dress code has cited financial hardship as his reason. At least two -- Stephen Jackson of the Indiana Pacers, Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics -- have cited race. They think the code is aimed at ridding the league of the hip-hop ''gangsta'' look that is so popular among young black men.

''...I think that's part of our culture,'' said Pierce. ``The NBA is young black males.''

Does he have a point? Is race a factor here? Having given the matter considerable consideration, I have an answer. In fact, I have three:

1) No. The new dress code will also require a wardrobe upgrade for such noteworthy white slobs as Dirk Nowitzski and Steve Nash.

2) Maybe. Given that over 75 percent of its players are black, the NBA can hardly avoid being a microcosm of racial issues.

3) Who cares?

Actually, No. 3 is my favorite. Let us assume that NBA commissioner David Stern is indeed motivated by a perception that basketball fans find it increasingly difficult to relate to a league of Scary-Looking Young Black Men -- especially after last year's brawl between players and fans.

So what? This is business. Stern is entitled -- obligated -- to use any moral means to protect his multi-billion-dollar corporation. If you earn a lavish living from that corporation you should also be concerned.

As for race: Let's grant that for some, all young black men, indeed, all black men, are scary-looking. Still, to believe the dress code is racist, you must ignore that the gangsta look is not popular among middle-aged blacks, but is often embraced by young whites. Point being, this is less racial than generational.

STREET STYLES

Meaning a generation of young black people choosing a style of dress that connotes criminality and street values. And it's childish to say, as Camby did, that ''You shouldn't judge a person from what they wear.'' Unlike skin tone, unlike nationality, unlike sexual orientation, clothing reflects a conscious choice.

So, judging people by what they wear is fair. One has an absolute right to dress in a lime green suit with red shoes and an orange tie. But one has no reasonable expectation of being treated seriously as a candidate for the executive position while so attired. Because the company also has rights, including the right to ensure you represent it well.

Clothes, we used to say, make the man. The man, if he has a lick of sense, realizes this. The African-American man -- so often scorned simply for being -- should understand that better than anyone, particularly if he is fortunate enough to be lavishly compensated for playing a game.

So it's hard to muster sympathy for Marcus Camby. Poor baby thinks he's being mistreated? I can think of eight million reasons he's wrong.