NBA Lists Fashion Do's and Don'ts (Los Angeles Times)

[Newsguy]

Los Angeles Times - Still smarting from image problems nearly a year after players and fans attacked one another during a game at Auburn Hills, Mich., the National Basketball Assn. has cracked down on … apparel.

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/topstories/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/latimests/20051019/ts_latimes/nbalistsfashiondosanddonts

[fuzzis]

I read an article about this yesterday and thought it was interesting. I'm not sure that a dress-code will do a lot towards improving the image of spoiled sports stars, but it can't hurt.

I had to laugh at the comment about a clothing stipend. Like they don't make enough to go buy a couple of suits?

fuzzis

[wilebill]

A lot of them should be wearing prison orange jumpsuits.

Pro basketball has basically turned into a thug sport. I've never watched it much and haven't since that brawl last year.

It quit being a watchable sport for me since Michael Jordan retired.

[lamarrebel]

An exception to that has been the San Antonio Spurs who have won 3 NBA titles in the past seven years. From David Robinson and Avery Johnson to Tim Duncan and company today, the Spurs have epitomized taste, sportsmanship, and character (with the one exception being the Dennis Rodman experiment of two years). I've been a Spurs fan since Robinson's rookie year, and I still pull for them today. I was thrilled when they beat the Pistons this past summer, which in post Katrina terms, seems like eons ago.

The NBA could just about be retitled the HBA (for Hoodlums Basketball Association). If they want to be rappers, they should get a recording contract and change day jobs, but otherwise, they are professionals, and Stern is correct in making them act as such.

[aaron]

This is an interesting quote from Mark Cuban about the dress code:

First. There is no question, that even at the minimum salary, NBA rookies and 1st year players are blessed to be earning that much money. However, realize that about 55 pct comes off the top for taxes (they have to pay taxes in ever state we play in), agent and union dues, and NBA Escrow. But more importantly, we bang on them to save, save save. For most of the NBA minimum Free Agents in their first or 2nd year, these will be the ONLY years they play in the NBA.

Its a darwinian business. Chances are this is their only year or two in the NBA. If they are cut, they probably go play in the minor leagues, or possibly in Europe, but in either case, there is a 95pct chance that they arent going to be in this business, the one they have dreamed of and prepared for their entire lives for more than 4 years.

Which in turn means they have to find a new profession. Thats not cheap, thats not easy.

So while it may seem like a rookie free agent has plenty of money to buy custom tailored suits or sport coats for up to 2 grand a pop, its a big investment that could impact their future. In the big picture, that rookie and everyone who knows this business, knows thats money that should be saved for the future and its a huge hit for them.

[fuzzis]

So while it may seem like a rookie free agent has plenty of money to buy custom tailored suits or sport coats for up to 2 grand a pop, its a big investment that could impact their future. In the big picture, that rookie and everyone who knows this business, knows thats money that should be saved for the future and its a huge hit for them.

I wonder how that's any different than any other person starting out in a new profession? I mean, really? I'm not feeling all that sorry for them, particularly when I had to go out and purchase a new wardrobe in order to begin a teaching career.

I don't begrudge athletes the money they make (and I understand that very few of them make astronomical amounts of money). I believe that they work hard cultivating a skill that not every one possesses, and as such, they should be justly compensated. If the market will bear the kinds of salaries we see, then I say more power to them. But don't come whine about how little you're really making when you're asked to dress professionally. Attitudes like that make me feel a little less than charitable towards them.

fuzzis

[happydamyankee]

OK I have stupid on my forhead. Will someone please tell me why they have to buy "custom tailored suits or sport coats for up to 2 grand a pop" ? Hello head down to the local big and tall store and buy one off the rack. What the heck they've been wearing clothes they pulled out of a trash can and now they want custom tailored suits?