Comments on: NBA’s New Dress Code

By: christopher c. thomas jr.

christopher c. thomas jr. — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 14:59:21 +0000

I think Mr. Sterm is right about players new dress code, because they are not thug's. Because they make millions of dollars and the NBA pay their salary's. Where else could some one make the money they make playing ball. If a player don't wear a suit he should be suspended

By: Jessica

Jessica — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 01:00:09 +0000

I am a HUGE San Antonio Spurs fan and I love the game of basketball. I don't agree with the dress code. Tim Duncan is the best role model any child could have and I know how he dresses. He is from the island and he was presented with his MVP trophy wearing a Nike shirt, khaki shorts, and a pair of flip flops. Why is that wrong? Just like Jason Richardson said you could be a crook wearing anything. What is the purpose of this dress code? Do you think that it is going to change someone because they wear a suit and tie to work? Do you think that this is truly making a statement to young people? I agree with Tim Duncan when he said the dress code is "a load of crap." Just like Stephen A. Smith said "If you have a guy like Tim Duncan talking out loud about the dress code, I think you need to look at what your doing because Tim Duncan is a quiet guy and never gets in trouble, don't blame A.I. this time." Tim Duncan's daily wardrobe consists of a button down shirt, jeans, and some sneakers and this is the fanciest you will see him dress. This takes me back to the Detroit/Indiana game when fans and players got into a big fight on the court. Yes the players are role models but they are also people and let's be honest here, if someone threw a bear cup at your head would you keep walking to the locker room just because your a role model? I am not saying it was right, BUT people are people whether you are the poorest or the richest person on earth, you have a right to defend yourself just like you have a right to dress how you feel is comfortable. First of all, these are grown men. Yes they make millions of dollars, but does someone taking your freedom of choice away from you the right thing to do? Second of all, everyone seems to forget that there daily job consists of a jersey, shorts, and sneakers...that is their job. When did making someone wear a suit become their job. Thirdly, is it right to judge people by their bookcover? It's like people looking down on you because you don't have as much money as someone else. It's not right to judge people by what they wear, the color of their skin, or how they choose to live their life. Next, what really is the purpose? Is their a purpose? Is their a reason? Come on now, it's your actions not your words. Tim Duncan does a whole lot for the city of San Antonio and My Spurs are the classiest team in the league (not just saying that because I am a fan). I would love when I have children for them to look at the Spurs and say I want to be like Tim Duncan. He is a classy dude to the T. I can't think of a Spur that wear suits on the bench. Does that make them a bad person? NEVER. Let's be real now, we are living in the hip hop culture and it is about throw back jerseys, Uptown sneakers, and "bling." Is it right to make someone feel uncomfortable in their own skin? Just thought I would input on this one because basketball is a major part of my life. I love the game, but I don't agree with this dress code, it actually upsets me and I am not even a player.

By: Michael White

Michael White — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 21:21:51 +0000

David Stern...Who is he?? Certainly not Howard Sterns relative. The mann's a jerk!! David Stern plays dictator in the NBA!! I can't believe the NBA actually allows this man to remain commissioner. He's no American! What does he know about American values?? American is about freedom, about freedom of expression, freedom of speech. This man has tried to restrict them all. When's the bumm going to realize that Saddam Hussein has already been deposed and dictatorships have gone out of style?? Oh, that's right!! His buddy President Bush is in office right now. The first democratic dictator this country has ever seen. What can I say!

By: tony

tony — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 15:28:48 +0000

i wonder if Neledi ever asked the child molesting priest "where ya'll mamas". probably not but racist like Neledi never ask the same questions of whites as they do of blacks..........hhhhmmmmmmmmm......things that make you say hhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm

By: Neledi

Neledi — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 03:55:02 +0000

It is a shame to think that grown a** men would rather pay fines (that could feed hungry people) than put on a suit for a couple of hours of the day.

Newsflash: you are not rappers and it is embarrassing that you can't switch up your game.

Like Mike Wilbon wrote, the legends of the game: Jordan, Majic etc, made the covers of GQ magazine during their heydays.

Get it together brothers and stop making young black males think that they can go to work wearing anything!
(where ya'll mamas @)

By: Jan

Jan — Thu, 20 Oct 2005 18:39:46 +0000

This dress code is NONSENSE! I am middle aged, white and I work in the film industry. A big part of the NBA is fashion, Nike & Reebok seem to think so! Fans enjoy getting a peek at how their favorite players dress and what watch or jewelry they have on, just as we enjoy checking out the Oscars to see what evening clothes and Winston jewels our favorite actors are wearing.This shows their personality, individuality, and their fun side. We are talking about an ARENA not a corporate office! There are times when I wear a business suit to work and there are times when I wear jeans, IT DEPENDS ON THE LOCATION! People attending a Basketball game, players or fans should be in casual and comfortable wear.Furthermore, these players donate money to charity all the time, now alot of their money will go towards expensive suits,custom made, new ones every nite.And what is the NBA image? NFL players dress the same way!I've seen Tom Brady in du rags!As far as Allen Iverson goes, I always thought it was admirable that he remained himself and did'nt dress to the nines just because he can afford it!I saw him on a mag cover in a suit looking incredibly handsome so he can certainly dress that way, but to sit on a bench? His sweat suits are expensive, neat and he always looks very clean.We already do not see enough interviews,now we won't see any if they have to deck out for one, there is no time after a game to dress and make it to an interview. This dress code is going to be a DISADVANTAGE for a sport which has just begun to gain more popularity!

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 14:08:47 +0000

I remember when the "Dream Team" started competing in the Olympics (the original Jordan/Magic/Bird group), I think Reebok was the supplier of the gear, but of course Jordan was the face of Nike. They made an arrangement where whenever MJ was wearing Reebok they covered the logo up so as to not upset Nike. I think they can do the same with the college kid - allow him to wear Nike while covering up the logo.

By: ICallMasICM

ICallMasICM — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 12:49:09 +0000

I've got to sympathize with the college player. When I played in HS and college we could wear the shoes that the school provided or supply our own and there were certain types that we couldn't wear. This being the olden days some guys wanted to buy top of the line shoes or different brands because they felt more comfortable or had felt they needed better support. The college had a contract with Converse and almost everyone wanted to wear Nike.

By: Russ

Russ — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 00:34:20 +0000

I think the "while on team or league business" clause pretty much says it all. If you're an employee, you follow the dress code, period, regardless of how big your paycheck (or ego) is. I'm guessing that in a collective bargaining setting, a relaxation of the dress code is something the players would have to ask and bargain for, rather than management having to ask and bargain for the right to enforce. Dress codes are a standard business practice - the "default behavior," even. But then, IANAL, so what do I know?