NBA commissioner David Stern has instituted a new dress code for players that entails them wearing at least business casual attire before and after games and at other league sponsored events (i.e. press conferences, etc.). Seems that Stern is concerned that the NBA shore up its image, and having players showing up on the bench or press room in super-baggy jeans, oversized T-Shirts, a sideways hat, and 75 pounds of jewelry wasn’t doing the trick.
The policy has become quite controversial among the players. Some have described it as racist, some have said it stifles their culture, some of argued that it is a violation of their rights. Allen Iverson, who probably has more to do with propogating the current image than any other single player, even made the inane suggestion that the new policy sends the wrong message to kids. Because, you know, kids are better served when their heroes dress like thugs than when they dress like professional men. And, following Iverson’s logic, the will get distressed that they can’t afford a nice suit themselves (though it certainly doesn’t distress them that they can’t afford diamond studded necklaces).
I’m considering trying some of these same arguments on my boss. How can I be required to wear a tie or tuck my shirt in? That violates my rights! And what does it say to my son that I can’t wear a hat and have to leave my substantial bling at home when I go to work? Workers of the world should unite against such an obvious imposition of the Man!
In fact, its time for Allen Iverson to grow up and act like a man. Being a man has nothing to do with getting to dress like you want and thumping your chest while you play a game. That may be macho but it isn’t manly. Being a man means acting like an adult and being responsible, maybe realizing the enormity of the gift it is to make zillions of dollars playing a game, and the weight of setting a good example for the thousands of kids who can only dream about such a life.