The views expressed do not represent those of hiphopdx.com and are solely the views of the writer– A-Plus, News Editor
This has been in the making for years. As the face of the NBA received a darker hue, the corporate face of the league turned bright red.
The days of the Michael Jordan business were discarded. White tees, baggy jeans and platinum chains became the post game uniform. In short, the league got “mad niggerish”, almost overnight.
Something had to give.
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The NBA is making headlines this week with the institution of it’s new dress code, which takes effect next season. Monday, the word went out that “business casual” attire is required. This means: “no T-shirts, no baggy jeans, no retro jerseys, no hats, no chains and no athletic shoes at team or league events. Players not in uniform at games must wear a sport coat and dress shoes.”
While I find nothing wrong with dressing up, let’s call this what it is.
The NBA dress code is bullshit.
Whether the league likes it or not, the game is dominated by young, black millionaires and the offices are run by middle aged white males. Any Town, USA is dominated by young kids playing the game, clad in throw back jerseys, sneakers, and hats. Season ticket holders usually have no connection to this world.
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Some players like it, some don’t, but many are making their voices heard.
“It’s hard to get past the fact we’re talking about a bunch of predominantly white executives making decisions about how a bunch of predominantly not-white athletes are going to dress,”Paul Lucas told the Baltimore Sun. “I’m not saying either side is right or wrong, but it speaks to a very obvious culture clash.”
Stephen Jackson of the Indiana Pacers takes issue with the fact that chains must can no longer be worn.
“I don’t agree as far as tucking your chains in. I really don’t respect that because the [highest] percentage of people who wear chains are black,” he said. “Everything else is fine with me. If they want us to wear suits, I’ll wear suits.”
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Whether you hate it or love it, the NBA will have a new “look” this season, but the faces will largely remain the same. Regardless of how well the league cleans up this mess the underlying message will ring out in urban communities across the country.
Try not to be so “ethnic” while you’re making us billions of dollars.
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