NBA Dress Code?

[Sade]

Stern bounces ideas for better NBA image
By Shira Springer, Globe Staff | September 29, 2005

NBA commissioner David Stern spent yesterday making one public appearance after another, flying from the Senate hearing on steroids in Washington to a National Braille Press gala last night at the TD Banknorth Garden. The Boston event honored Stern along with world-class blind climber Erik Weihenmayer and drew a contingent of Celtics past and present. At a time when Stern, the NBA, and the Celtics are increasingly concerned about the image projected by players, the gala provided an opportunity to foster good relations between the players and community, and highlight the Celtics' charitable efforts. Just the kind of positive publicity Stern likes to generate.

As part of the new collective bargaining agreement, the NBA and its players' union devised several new initiatives designed to improve the athletes' accessibility and professionalism. Players will be required to attend pregame autograph sessions and participate in pregame giveaways of T-shirts, hats, and wristbands. Inactive players will greet fans and community groups on game nights. The league increased the players' minimum number of community relations appearances from 10 to 12. Players must make themselves available to the media for at least 15 minutes after practice. And among other new rules, there will be a dress code Stern expects to include sport coats and collared shirts, and exclude bluejeans. When it was mentioned that some of the league's most highly regarded players, such as Tim Duncan, dress more casually, Stern said, ''Well, the job description has changed."

''We're working on a job description," said Stern. ''It's to help the players understand what the job is. The job is not only to go to practice and win games. The job is representing the NBA to all constituencies. Community relations. Public relations. Sponsor relations . . . Maybe for a variety of reasons we pulled back too much. Or maybe we got spoiled by a generation of players who did these things as a matter of course and as we got younger we moved away from them. So, we have to slowly remind ourselves [what to do].

''Sometimes I worry that our players' intensity can be misconstrued and their effort can be misconstrued. They are the most intense, the most dedicated. I think the younger base of our fans understands that, but perhaps, the mid-to-older aren't quite as attuned to it. We'd like to use our convening power to have people focus on this game and our great players, who they are and how they play, rather than their variance from some norm . . . Being neatly attired in a certain way, that's going to be our norm."

While some fans may view instituting a league-wide dress code as treating the symptom and not the problem, Stern sees it as a small step in re-educating players about proper conduct.

''The dress code is, to me, a continuation of things [after the league mandated teams wear either warmups or shorts for the national anthem last year, but not a mix.] It's a small thing that contributes to a sense of professionalism. It's what the job entails. We've always moved to the fashion of our players. Years ago, the fashion was a jacket and tie. Now, it's a much more casual approach. But our referees are always attired a certain way based upon their job description when they come into the building. Our coaches are attired a certain way when they come on the court. We decided that it was time [for the players]."

Stern noted that some teams have more strict dress codes than the one the league plans to institute. That said, the commissioner also believes code-of-conduct-type rules generally should fall under purview of the league to ensure fairness. When the Celtics' plans for a Code of Conduct came up, Stern called it ''just a restatement" and said it was ''announcing the obvious with an air of discovery." Still, the Celtics promise to be ahead of the curve in all matters relating to professionalism and community relations. Owner Wyc Grousbeck said the team would do ''20 percent more" than what the league mandated. That kind of commitment was one of the reasons the implication of Tony Allen in a recent Chicago nightclub incident in which there was a shooting upset Grousbeck so much.

But Allen was not the only NBA player to be in the wrong place at the wrong time recently. Wizards second-round pick Andray Blatche was shot in the chest last weekend, and the Bobcats' Marvin Ely was robbed and shot at early yesterday morning. While he would not say so directly, Stern is certainly concerned about these kinds of incidents and the image they project.

''What went through my mind when it was the second time is that our players have to be more careful because they are inviting targets in places where they might or might not want to be," said Stern. ''It's going to be our job to remind them [of the dangers]. It's something that we clearly have to be concerned about. But really, less for the image and more for the safety."

General manager Chris Wallace signed a two-year contract extension yesterday with the Celtics, through the 2007-08 season. Wallace is entering his ninth season as GM and shares responsibility for scouting players, making personnel decisions, and advising executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge.

When Ainge assumed his post in May 2003, Wallace took on a less public role, and his long-term future with the franchise was seen as in doubt. Since then, Ainge and Wallace have developed a strong working relationship.

''From my perspective, Chris is a guy that I've been grateful to for his help and loyalty in my transition to this job," said Ainge. ''He brings experience to the mechanics of the business. He has an understanding of the game worldwide. And he is well respected and well connected. He is a valuable asset to us and to me."

But for the next few months, Wallace will be immersed in scouting the international basketball market while keeping track of the college scene.

[slickbitty]

hmmmm...i'm going to have to come back to this one.

[soulbrotha]

Originally Posted by Sade

Stern bounces ideas for better NBA image
By Shira Springer, Globe Staff | September 29, 2005



As part of the new collective bargaining agreement, the NBA and its players' union devised several new initiatives designed to improve the athletes' accessibility and professionalism. Players will be required to attend pregame autograph sessions and participate in pregame giveaways of T-shirts, hats, and wristbands. Inactive players will greet fans and community groups on game nights. The league increased the players' minimum number of community relations appearances from 10 to 12. Players must make themselves available to the media for at least 15 minutes after practice. And among other new rules, there will be a dress code Stern expects to include sport coats and collared shirts, and exclude bluejeans. When it was mentioned that some of the league's most highly regarded players, such as Tim Duncan, dress more casually, Stern said, ''Well, the job description has changed."


But for the next few months, Wallace will be immersed in scouting the international basketball market while keeping track of the college scene.

IF the NBA is losing revenue, I don't see much wrong with increasing public appearances and making them mandatory. I also think it is a good idea for them to dress more casually(looking professional). They are professionals that are in the public's eye, therefore they should act and dress professionally.

[mistermaxxx]

the NBA still Pimping the Plantation. the NBA bought into the Hip-Hop culture but now they want to break out of there.they make it up as they go along.Freedom of expression.the NBA is so Racist it ain't even funny.bad enough they bring some Foriegn Soft Players,give Steve Nash the MVP over Shaq,want to put a Age limit&now this.all things that are meant to run the Black Basketball player off like they have done with baseball.same ole Politics.David Stern truly thinks He is Don Corleone or something.too much Power.bad enough Most Players are Robtic&fake as all get up&now this.

cats are Playing Basketball this ain't wallStreet. they are trying to say without saying that Braided Hair,Throwbacks,Timberlands,Doo Rags are Scaring the Hell out of White folks.but it was cool when the Numbers were up.NBA:Negroes Be Alert because at any time the powers that be can flip on you.

[slickbitty]

Originally Posted by mistermaxxx

the NBA still Pimping the Plantation. the NBA bought into the Hip-Hop culture but now they want to break out of there.they make it up as they go along.Freedom of expression.the NBA is so Racist it ain't even funny.bad enough they bring some Foriegn Soft Players,give Steve Nash the MVP over Shaq,want to put a Age limit&now this.all things that are meant to run the Black Basketball player off like they have done with baseball.same ole Politics.David Stern truly thinks He is Don Corleone or something.too much Power.bad enough Most Players are Robtic&fake as all get up&now this.

cats are Playing Basketball this ain't wallStreet. they are trying to say without saying that Braided Hair,Throwbacks,Timberlands,Doo Rags are Scaring the Hell out of White folks.but it was cool when the Numbers were up.NBA:Negroes Be Alert because at any time the powers that be can flip on you.

While the NBA has been pimpin the plantation for years, one thing still escapes me that people fail to address here......This is their J O B. It may be for our entertainment, but it is their job and they need to do it within the rules and regulations set forth by their employer.

All employers have a dress code, period. It started with those daggum baggy shorts which are so baggy now they look like pants, to tats and cornrows. While there is nothing wrong with that, it does go to the whole issue that we were talking about in the Oprah and Luda thread. Appearances matter. Plain and simple.

As a supervisor I can honestly tell you that how you dress for your job directly relates to how well you do your job. It's called self respect, work ethic, esteem. I'm actually really quite sick and tired of these over paid ego maniacs thinking that the sun rises and sets with their issues. They make millions and still complain about something.....to me that's petty. The every day people I work with complain about their dress code and where I work it's pretty lax - and I've had to send people home who thought they could come to work in their pajamas....HAIL NO-----PERIOD. If you want a job where you can wear your pajamas to work, then you better try self employment. If you look sloppy you will not care about the work you do, and in my experiences, sloppy dresses tend to be negative as well as more concerned about themselves and collecting their check than doing their job that they were hired to do.

What's even funnier (not ha ha funny, but sad funny) is that this isn't a black thing, and has nothing to do with whether Steve Nash deserves the NBA MVP award (which he did - Shaq needs to have one injury free season in his career and be consistently do his job day in and day out and not expect that it will just happen because he's SHAQ), it has to do with your employers expectation of what they want to see. Stern, for all his stupidity, is correct. But it doesn't matter if Bill Cosby, or Stern says it. Heck, my daddy's been sayin it for the past twenty and no one criticizes him, but I guess that's because he's old school. Either way, it's not a black and white thing...It's a real thing....

[mistermaxxx]

Originally Posted by slickbitty

While the NBA has been pimpin the plantation for years, one thing still escapes me that people fail to address here......This is their J O B. It may be for our entertainment, but it is their job and they need to do it within the rules and regulations set forth by their employer.

All employers have a dress code, period. It started with those daggum baggy shorts which are so baggy now they look like pants, to tats and cornrows. While there is nothing wrong with that, it does go to the whole issue that we were talking about in the Oprah and Luda thread. Appearances matter. Plain and simple.

As a supervisor I can honestly tell you that how you dress for your job directly relates to how well you do your job. It's called self respect, work ethic, esteem. I'm actually really quite sick and tired of these over paid ego maniacs thinking that the sun rises and sets with their issues. They make millions and still complain about something.....to me that's petty. The every day people I work with complain about their dress code and where I work it's pretty lax - and I've had to send people home who thought they could come to work in their pajamas....HAIL NO-----PERIOD. If you want a job where you can wear your pajamas to work, then you better try self employment. If you look sloppy you will not care about the work you do, and in my experiences, sloppy dresses tend to be negative as well as more concerned about themselves and collecting their check than doing their job that they were hired to do.

What's even funnier (not ha ha funny, but sad funny) is that this isn't a black thing, and has nothing to do with whether Steve Nash deserves the NBA MVP award (which he did - Shaq needs to have one injury free season in his career and be consistently do his job day in and day out and not expect that it will just happen because he's SHAQ), it has to do with your employers expectation of what they want to see. Stern, for all his stupidity, is correct. But it doesn't matter if Bill Cosby, or Stern says it. Heck, my daddy's been sayin it for the past twenty and no one criticizes him, but I guess that's because he's old school. Either way, it's not a black and white thing...It's a real thing....

Shaq got robbed out of the MVP/ they wanted to give the award to a White Boy.now Nash got Game but come on that was Political. Shaq was the MVP.Jason Kidd got robbed of it back in 2002. Shaq is geting the Wilt Chamberlin,Kareem treatment being a Big Brother. anyway:the NBA embraced Hip-Hop Culture.they Sold it with the Market&now they want to change things? whatever.Brothers ain't go for that.Personally I wish the Brothers would start up there own league.Racist Bums want a Age limit,clothes styling, this&that.they want to Bring alot of Soft foreign Players who can't play no low-post.you gotta let people be themselves. BTW nash knows He don't deserve no Award of Shaq. Shaq is the Greatest to me as a Basketball Player. the Last Brother to 3-Peat&Win 3 straight Finals MVPs.Nash got some token Jewelry.if the NBA hadn't accepted the Hip-Hop culture from the word jump then your argument would carry some weight,but sorry it just don't because the Brothers done made the Game more street.the Officals along with David"Corleone" Stern peeped out the And 1 Mix tapes&allowed traveling,palming&other things into the league&now they trying to distance themselves.

[soulbrotha]

Originally Posted by slickbitty

While the NBA has been pimpin the plantation for years, one thing still escapes me that people fail to address here......This is their J O B. It may be for our entertainment, but it is their job and they need to do it within the rules and regulations set forth by their employer.

All employers have a dress code, period. It started with those daggum baggy shorts which are so baggy now they look like pants, to tats and cornrows. While there is nothing wrong with that, it does go to the whole issue that we were talking about in the Oprah and Luda thread. Appearances matter. Plain and simple.

As a supervisor I can honestly tell you that how you dress for your job directly relates to how well you do your job. It's called self respect, work ethic, esteem. I'm actually really quite sick and tired of these over paid ego maniacs thinking that the sun rises and sets with their issues. They make millions and still complain about something.....to me that's petty. The every day people I work with complain about their dress code and where I work it's pretty lax - and I've had to send people home who thought they could come to work in their pajamas....HAIL NO-----PERIOD. If you want a job where you can wear your pajamas to work, then you better try self employment. If you look sloppy you will not care about the work you do, and in my experiences, sloppy dresses tend to be negative as well as more concerned about themselves and collecting their check than doing their job that they were hired to do.

What's even funnier (not ha ha funny, but sad funny) is that this isn't a black thing, and has nothing to do with whether Steve Nash deserves the NBA MVP award (which he did - Shaq needs to have one injury free season in his career and be consistently do his job day in and day out and not expect that it will just happen because he's SHAQ), it has to do with your employers expectation of what they want to see. Stern, for all his stupidity, is correct. But it doesn't matter if Bill Cosby, or Stern says it. Heck, my daddy's been sayin it for the past twenty and no one criticizes him, but I guess that's because he's old school. Either way, it's not a black and white thing...It's a real thing....

I agree totally. It really has nothing to do with Shaq and/or Steve Nash. It has to do with revenue, money, business. The NBA is losing money. Money that they attribute to losing because of its image. Money that is used to pay the enormous salaries of the NBA. So what do you do? You try to change the image. Make players look more professional. Make them seem more approachable. The way you look says a lot about you. If you wanna dress gangsta BE A GANGSTA. If you wannna be a business man, DRESS LIKE A BUSINESS MAN.

[mistermaxxx]

a Basketball court has no Suits&Ties. you wear Shorts,T-Shirts socks&Sneakers. this is just another attempt by the Powers that Be to keep the Brothers in line when they want to.next they will be trying to tell the Brothers how to wear there Hair????Racist Bunch of Jokers.

BS about this not having anything to do with Shaq.if Shaq was White Larry Bird would be treated like He was Billy Paultz or something.Shaq been getting shafted for years on there Politics.Nash suddenly doesn't have that much around him this year we will see.Marcus Camby is right:if the League wants them to Dress like Carlton Banks then they should fork over the money.

[soulbrotha]

Originally Posted by mistermaxxx

a Basketball court has no Suits&Ties. you wear Shorts,T-Shirts socks&Sneakers. this is just another attempt by the Powers that Be to keep the Brothers in line when they want to.next they will be trying to tell the Brothers how to wear there Hair????Racist Bunch of Jokers.

BS about this not having anything to do with Shaq.if Shaq was White Larry Bird would be treated like He was Billy Paultz or something.Shaq been getting shafted for years on there Politics.Nash suddenly doesn't have that much around him this year we will see.Marcus Camby is right:if the League wants them to Dress like Carlton Banks then they should fork over the money.

When it comes to contract negotiation time players refer to themselves as business men. Therefore, they should dress as such. I think they do fork over the money. Camby is a second tier player anyway.

[mistermaxxx]

Allen Iverson,Rashaeed Wallace&others ain't gonna go for the NBA's Racist BS.Mark cuban is a Billionaire Owner&He ain't dressing for success now is He? please explain away Mark Cuban's Dressing when he is parked near the team bench of the Maverick's nightly??? game ova right there.