Is the NBA's new rule racist?

[mquast53000]

Pacers' Jackson calls ban on chains 'racist statement'

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Pacers guard Stephen Jackson, contending that a league ban on chains worn over clothing is "a racist statement" from the league, wore every long, diamond-studded chain in his collection Tuesday night as a protest.

Stephen Jackson, pictured during the NBA playoffs in May, says he doesn't plan on challenging the new dress code.
Jackson voiced no opposition to the bulk of the "business casual" demands in the NBA's new dress code, but he described the jewelry ban as "attacking young black males."

"I think it's a racist statement because a lot of the guys who are wearing chains are my age and are black," said Jackson, 27. "I wore all my jewelry today to let it be known that I'm upset with it.

"I'll wear a suit every day. I think we do need to look more professional because it is a business. A lot of guys have gotten sloppy with the way they dress. But it's one thing to [enforce a] dress code and it's another thing if you're attacking cultures, and that's what I think they're doing."

Jackson made his comments before Tuesday's home exhibition game against San Antonio, with the four chains he wore to work hanging in his locker -- one sporting his initials, two with a crucifix and a fourth depicting Jesus Christ.

A section in the new dress code listing items players are not allowed to wear on team or league business includes "chains, pendants or medallions worn over the player's clothing."

"I know a lot of guys on my team are upset and I have no problem speaking up on it," Jackson said.

Jackson, though, said he wouldn't openly defy the rule if it means he keeps "giving money back" in fines.

San Antonio's Tim Duncan, far less vocal but also a critic of the new policy, did not play in Tuesday's game and sat on the bench wearing an untucked shirt and baggy jeans -- attire that could result in a fine if seen during a regular-season game.

A specific range of penalties has yet to be announced, but league officials have already made it clear that violators of the dress code will be fined -- as well as their teams -- with repeat violators subject to suspension.

It must be nice to lose touch with reality...

[Hell's Bells]

Pacers' Jackson calls ban on chains 'racist statement'

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Pacers guard Stephen Jackson, contending that a league ban on chains worn over clothing is "a racist statement" from the league, wore every long, diamond-studded chain in his collection Tuesday night as a protest.

Stephen Jackson, pictured during the NBA playoffs in May, says he doesn't plan on challenging the new dress code.
Jackson voiced no opposition to the bulk of the "business casual" demands in the NBA's new dress code, but he described the jewelry ban as "attacking young black males."

"I think it's a racist statement because a lot of the guys who are wearing chains are my age and are black," said Jackson, 27. "I wore all my jewelry today to let it be known that I'm upset with it.

"I'll wear a suit every day. I think we do need to look more professional because it is a business. A lot of guys have gotten sloppy with the way they dress. But it's one thing to [enforce a] dress code and it's another thing if you're attacking cultures, and that's what I think they're doing."

Jackson made his comments before Tuesday's home exhibition game against San Antonio, with the four chains he wore to work hanging in his locker -- one sporting his initials, two with a crucifix and a fourth depicting Jesus Christ.

A section in the new dress code listing items players are not allowed to wear on team or league business includes "chains, pendants or medallions worn over the player's clothing."

"I know a lot of guys on my team are upset and I have no problem speaking up on it," Jackson said.

Jackson, though, said he wouldn't openly defy the rule if it means he keeps "giving money back" in fines.

San Antonio's Tim Duncan, far less vocal but also a critic of the new policy, did not play in Tuesday's game and sat on the bench wearing an untucked shirt and baggy jeans -- attire that could result in a fine if seen during a regular-season game.

A specific range of penalties has yet to be announced, but league officials have already made it clear that violators of the dress code will be fined -- as well as their teams -- with repeat violators subject to suspension.

It must be nice to lose touch with reality...

it can be racist both ways - does that mean someone like john stocton would be able to wear chaps and a cowboy hat? he's from spokane *the west* and one can argue that there is a chance that he is a cowboy?

[SonomaCat]

I don't know what he's talking about ... I'm wearing at least 10 gold chains dangling down to my waist right now here in the office. And let me tell you what ... my diamond bling goes very well with business casual dress, and brings me respect and admiration from my co-workers.

I should probably just turn this over to Mr. Kornfeld now:

http://www.theonion.com/content/columni ... w/kornfeld

[longhorn_22]

I'm getting so tired of all this racist bullsh!t in every sport. Everywhere you turn some new rule is racist against blacks and only blacks. But no one can say anything about it because it would be a white man and white men have no say in anything. Stephen Jackson is a blatent racist and needs to shut his mouth. You know, it was kind of racist for the Pacers to attack the white fans in the "brawl" last year.

[grizzh8r]

It must suck to be Ignorant.

[SonomaCat]

In all fairness to everyone involved (particularly the NBA), Stephen Jackson is a good basketball player, and that alone is the reason why he is the public eye. He has an opinion, and it happens to be a silly one, and probably should be disregarded as such by everyone. It is because of his basketball skills that we have heard what he thinks -- not because what he thinks is particularly insightful or is representative of any group of people.

[iaafan]

Males shall wear a dark blue suit with brown shoes and a red tie. The suit jacket may be replaced with a cardigan sweater at the end of the work day. Hair above the ears and off the collar.
Before coming downstairs to fix the family breakfast, females are to be clad in a blouse buttoned to the top with lacy collar and gray skirt with black shoes with no more than a one inch riser. No makeup.

It's a NEW WORLD ORDER. All citizens must comply.

[Hell's Bells]

Males shall wear a dark blue suit with brown shoes and a red tie. The suit jacket may be replaced with a cardigan sweater at the end of the work day. Hair above the ears and off the collar.
Before coming downstairs to fix the family breakfast, females are to be clad in a blouse buttoned to the top with lacy collar and gray skirt with black shoes with no more than a one inch riser. No makeup.

It's a NEW WORLD ORDER. All citizens must comply.

honestly they (basketball players) make tons of money playing a kids game. if they want to dress how they want if they are not able to suit up for games or are traveling to away games they can always retire.

[SonomaCat]

I think the players have a legitimate gripe (not the racist plea, but the larger issue about the dress code).

Sure, one could say that they can retire if they don't like it. That works. But what if Montana Tech required suit and ties for all students during class time? Would you happily comply, and could we say "They're getting an education subsidized by the state -- if they don't like it, they can pay for private school."

I understand why the NBA is doing what they are doing -- they are trying to package their product (just like the airbrushing of tattoos on magazine covers, etc.). Some NBA players consider this selling out to the suits instead of focusing on the kids (who don't dress like the dress code and won't likely be impressed).

I don't know who's more right on this one, but I definitely don't think that either sides general position should be dismissed just because they make a lot of money. Both sides make a lot of money.

[Hell's Bells]

I think the players have a legitimate gripe (not the racist plea, but the larger issue about the dress code).

Sure, one could say that they can retire if they don't like it. That works. But what if Montana Tech required suit and ties for all students during class time? Would you happily comply, and could we say "They're getting an education subsidized by the state -- if they don't like it, they can pay for private school."

I understand why the NBA is doing what they are doing -- they are trying to package their product (just like the airbrushing of tattoos on magazine covers, etc.). Some NBA players consider this selling out to the suits instead of focusing on the kids (who don't dress like the dress code and won't likely be impressed).


I don't know who's more right on this one, but I definitely don't think that either sides general position should be dismissed just because they make a lot of money. Both sides make a lot of money.

your argueing apples and oranges

MT tech does not pay my salary
i am not employed by mt tech
if i were then yes i would..they pay my salary they have the right to put condations on my appearance..eg..do you see any accountants wearing cowboy hats and cheep wranglers? if they did probibly not for long

the nba has a legitimate reason why they want these kids to look professional...they are professional adults

[mquast53000]

I don't know about the rest of you, but at my office there is a dress code. I could not wear what the NBA players wear to work- and there are not millions of people watching me in the course of a year. I sure the hell don't see anything wrong with the NBA trying to make their sport look respectful. Lets be honest, the NBA has one of the worse reputations in all of professional sports. You have to make little changes to make the game more appealing to fans, and right now the NBA is really trying to refresh its image.

[SonomaCat]

I think the players have a legitimate gripe (not the racist plea, but the larger issue about the dress code).

Sure, one could say that they can retire if they don't like it. That works. But what if Montana Tech required suit and ties for all students during class time? Would you happily comply, and could we say "They're getting an education subsidized by the state -- if they don't like it, they can pay for private school."

I understand why the NBA is doing what they are doing -- they are trying to package their product (just like the airbrushing of tattoos on magazine covers, etc.). Some NBA players consider this selling out to the suits instead of focusing on the kids (who don't dress like the dress code and won't likely be impressed).


I don't know who's more right on this one, but I definitely don't think that either sides general position should be dismissed just because they make a lot of money. Both sides make a lot of money.

your argueing apples and oranges

MT tech does not pay my salary
i am not employed by mt tech
if i were then yes i would..they pay my salary they have the right to put condations on my appearance..eg..do you see any accountants wearing cowboy hats and cheep wranglers? if they did probibly not for long

the nba has a legitimate reason why they want these kids to look professional...they are professional adults

Actually, there is a direct comparison of schools and professional organizations. Many schools have dress codes, for the exact same reason the NBA is supporting. They want their "product" (campus and students) to put forth a professional appearance so they can in turn attract a high caliber of student (customer). The motivations for wanting neither an NBA player or a MT Tech student to look like a slob are identical.

As such, MT Tech has every right to put conditions on your appearance -- they just haven't decided to do so. Up until now, the NBA didn't require players to dress nice. During any transition period, especially going from sloppy to formal dress, there will be some griping.

[BobcatLionFan]

Well, let's look at the Bobcats. Kramer demands that on the road they wear the same things at the same times.

Is this wrong?? It's much more controled than the NBA requirement.

[grizbeer]

I think the players have a legitimate gripe (not the racist plea, but the larger issue about the dress code).

Sure, one could say that they can retire if they don't like it. That works. But what if Montana Tech required suit and ties for all students during class time? Would you happily comply, and could we say "They're getting an education subsidized by the state -- if they don't like it, they can pay for private school."

I understand why the NBA is doing what they are doing -- they are trying to package their product (just like the airbrushing of tattoos on magazine covers, etc.). Some NBA players consider this selling out to the suits instead of focusing on the kids (who don't dress like the dress code and won't likely be impressed).


I don't know who's more right on this one, but I definitely don't think that either sides general position should be dismissed just because they make a lot of money. Both sides make a lot of money.

your argueing apples and oranges

MT tech does not pay my salary
i am not employed by mt tech
if i were then yes i would..they pay my salary they have the right to put condations on my appearance..eg..do you see any accountants wearing cowboy hats and cheep wranglers? if they did probibly not for long

the nba has a legitimate reason why they want these kids to look professional...they are professional adults

Actually, there is a direct comparison of schools and professional organizations. Many schools have dress codes, for the exact same reason the NBA is supporting. They want their "product" (campus and students) to put forth a professional appearance so they can in turn attract a high caliber of student (customer). The motivations for wanting neither an NBA player or a MT Tech student to look like a slob are identical.

As such, MT Tech has every right to put conditions on your appearance -- they just haven't decided to do so. Up until now, the NBA didn't require players to dress nice. During any transition period, especially going from sloppy to formal dress, there will be some griping.

Wouldn't the MT Tech comparison be better if the NBA required a dress code for the fans that go to the games. Isn't the student a customer of the School, just as the fan is the customer of the team?

Anyway most business do have a dress code for both employees and customers, even if it is only shoes and shirts required, or no jewelry. Some restaurants have a tie and coat requirement. I know in Denver in the early 80's most of the night clubs had "no colors" and shirt with collars only rules to prevent gang violence. Even McDonald's requires it's employees to follow a dress code, and they make minimum wage, so I don't see this as a big deal.

[mquast53000]

Well, let's look at the Bobcats. Kramer demands that on the road they wear the same things at the same times.

Is this wrong?? It's much more controled than the NBA requirement.

Hysell was much more stringent on this rule then Kramer. Kramer gives the players some leeway, but everything worn is well within reason.

[SonomaCat]

Students as customers ... analogies to restaurants ... yeah, your points make a lot of sense, and I agree. The whole point of what I was getting at got diluted long ago (about the time I tried to make the analogy, actually), but your points are interesting in a "making me think about things in a much deeper way than I otherwise would" sort of way.

I tend to agree with everyone else -- I am shedding no tears for professional athletes who are being asked to dress like professionals. I think that is reasonable. I think they have a legitimate gripe about it, but not one that I am particularly sympathetic to.

[BobcatLionFan]

I agree.

I think Iverson will be the first to be fined, probably $5,000, maybe 10K (which is just change to him)

[grizzh8r]

I agree.

I think Iverson will be the first to be fined, probably $5,000, maybe 10K (which is just change to him)

What is interesting is that Tim Duncan, one of the most intelligent and eloquent NBA players opposes the new dress code too. After all, they do call him The Professor. It seems like he would be all for it, or at least see the logic behind it. Ideas?

A related story with Players opinions: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2197012

[SonomaCat]

I agree.

I think Iverson will be the first to be fined, probably $5,000, maybe 10K (which is just change to him)

What is interesting is that Tim Duncan, one of the most intelligent and eloquent NBA players opposes the new dress code too. After all, they do call him The Professor. It seems like he would be all for it, or at least see the logic behind it. Ideas?

A related story with Players opinions: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2197012

Maybe he's smart ... and a slob? That would actually make him quite like many real professors.

[grizzh8r]

Maybe he's smart ... and a slob? That would actually make him quite like many real professors.

So true!