NBA dress code
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On October 17, 2005, National Basketball Association commissioner David Stern, implemented a mandatory dress code for all NBA and NBA Development League players. This was especially noteworthy because the NBA became the first major professional sports league to implement such a rule, although National Hockey League rules state that a player is supposed to wear a jacket and tie to games and on charters if not told otherwise by the head coach or general manager.
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[edit] Details of the dress code
Stern's dress code stated that all players must dress in business or conservative attire, while arriving and departing during a scheduled game, on the bench while injured or conducting official NBA business, such as press interviews, charity events, etc. This does not apply to off-court events where such dress would be inappropriate, such as a basketball clinic.
If a player does not dress for a game, then he has to wear a jacket of some kind on the bench, much as coaches do (thus, Bob Knight-style sweaters aren't allowed).
Outlawed were what critics and supporters often called "hip-hop culture" related attire such as throwback jerseys, jeans, hats, t-shirts, large jewelry, sneakers and Timberland style boots. Violations would include fines and possible suspensions for repeat offenders.
As of 2006-07, it is unclear whether anyone has been punished for violating the dress code.
[edit] Supporting arguments
Supporters claim Stern's dress code will improve the NBA's image amongst middle-class basketball fans and corporate sponsors thus bringing in more revenue, which in turn boosts player salaries. The league's image was very much in tatters following the Pacers-Pistons brawl in 2004. Supporters also claim that most businesses require their employees to adhere to a dress code of some kind so the NBA is not making any unusual demands. Moreover, the NBA was not requiring players to wear a suit and tie, as had been rumored initially. Further, many NBA teams already had dress codes, as dictated by coaches or general managers. The penalties for non-compliance generally ranged from fines to having to pay for one's own airfare to where-ever the team was going, rather than flying on the team charter.
[edit] Opposing arguments
Critics, such as Allen Iverson, Stephen Jackson, and Paul Pierce claim that the dress code will not change a person's character regardless of what type of clothing they wear, and that associating hip-hop style of dress with crime or a bad image is racist. Many NBA and non-NBA sports figures also claim that it targets young black males and is a slap against hip-hop culture which the NBA also exploits to its benefit when it suits them (such as promoting the All-star game). Most NBA clothing sponsors such as Nike, Reebok, Puma, and Adidas, also use hip-hop to promote their products to African-Americans.
