"I think they're coming on way too strict. Movie stars in L.A., they're not always in jackets and ties, and they're setting trends, and we're looked at in the same light." -- Timberwolves forward Wally Szczerbiak, quoted in the Oct. 7 Minneapolis Star-Tribune EXACTLY. NBA players are not businessmen. They are entertainers. They do not go to client meetings and board meetings. Why do people keep comparing them to businessmen? And saying "like any other job, they must adhere to a dress code". That's the point - it's NOT like any other job. Neither is being a rapper or being Shania Twain or being Rob Schneider or being Dirk or T-Mac or anyone you want to name. They play a game in front of people who want to be entertained. Why is that so hard to understand?
Clowns are entertainers to, should they dress like clowns? Why not just stop wearing a team uniform? Movie stars don't have to dress the same when they film a movie. Music artists don't all dress the same either when they perform. Why should players have to wear the same uniform? See how stupid that sounds? Wally Szczerbiak had the worst point in my opinion. The NBA is Professional Basketball. With the emphasis on the league being <u>professional</u>. Wearing a suit is being professional. If the players like dressing in street attire, they can go play for the And1 tour, which is Street Basketball.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Clowns are entertainers to, should they dress like clowns? </div> Yes! Shape I think you are finally getting it now.
I don't see why this dress code is such a big deal. You dress up like gentlemen and like you're going to an important occassion when you're not in uniform (i.e. on the IR roster going to a game or at a press conference not on a game night). Some people dress up like they're just chilling out, that's fine to me but part of me is like, "well save that for the offseason because the real season is all about business." I think more NBA players need to show that they're serious about the game first and foremost because there's also the impression that NBA players give a damn a lot less than college players playing for pride and for their team. I get that impression from NBA players more than I get the "gangsta" or "thugged out" impression. It's a shame when the NBA is a business all about selling tickets and merchandise, but players have to play for professional/team pride, set aside their personal egos, and be serious about being where they are and not take it for granted. It's not some place to mess around getting paid huge million dollar contracts to support one's ego, it's about pride as a player and earning respect. If that means a dress code, some of those guys need to stop beetching about it and really stop arguing that it's based on race (I think it sort of is, but it's typical stuff you argue that it "is" and "isn't" for days). Let's just say it's primarily an image related issue that the NBA employs a bunch of excessively paid guys with maturity issues. Nobody likes that coming from players no matter what hardships and adversity they've had to wade across. Also, guys in hollywood figure out soon enough it's easy to be run out of town if you can't get a handle on emotions or ego. Nobody is irreplacable.
Eh Im kinda split on the decision... obviously I agree that these MEN should dress as if they are proffessional people. However Shape... if I can, Id like to take your anagoly a lil futher than you mistaken realize. Players do have uniforms, they are the jerseys they wear on the floor, with regulations regarding jewerly and such. This is their place of business - the basketball court - not driving to the team game or what have you. However, with that said - here comes my split decision on the issue - I think the NBA has a place in doing this and I can see why. I think these regulations should stand for team events or on camera interviews (formal). Otherwise let the players wear as they wish.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting purehoops:</div><div class="quote_post">However Shape... if I can, Id like to take your anagoly a lil futher than you mistaken realize. Players do have uniforms, they are the jerseys they wear on the floor, with regulations regarding jewerly and such. This is their place of business - the basketball court - not driving to the team game or what have you.</div>No, sorry. That is players' main place of business, but not the only place of business. These guys are representitives of the team and the league, and that's something they are paid a lot of money for. If the NBA would like them to dress a certain way when representing the team, then that's fine with me.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 44Thrilla:</div><div class="quote_post">No, sorry. That is players' main place of business, but not the only place of business. These guys are representitives of the team and the league, and that's something they are paid a lot of money for. If the NBA would like them to dress a certain way when representing the team, then that's fine with me.</div> Agreed... to an extent. Take my job - my company supplies my uniform. I am required to wear this uniform when on the job hours. However - when I am off the cloak driving or walking up to my place of buisness - I am in a sense allowed to wear whatever I want - obviously within boundies acceptable to common sense. Walking into the locker room coming from home or the hotel - these guys should be allowed to wear whatever they want because that is THEIR time.. Interviews with the press, on court, after game press conferences, is still on the job - yes the regulations I agree with. But when this individual is heading home - he essisentally on his own time - he should be allowed to wear what he wants.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting purehoops:</div><div class="quote_post">Agreed... to an extent. Take my job - my company supplies my uniform. I am required to wear this uniform when on the job hours. However - when I am off the cloak driving or walking up to my place of buisness - I am in a sense allowed to wear whatever I want - obviously within boundies acceptable to common sense. Walking into the locker room coming from home or the hotel - these guys should be allowed to wear whatever they want because that is THEIR time.. Interviews with the press, on court, after game press conferences, is still on the job - yes the regulations I agree with. But when this individual is heading home - he essisentally on his own time - he should be allowed to wear what he wants.</div>I see what you're saying, but I think the NBA has every right to determine what is and what isn't "on the clock". I don't think it's written anywhere that players are only paid for practice and games, and considering how much they make, the NBA isn't making too much of a stretch by requiring them to show up in a collared shirt and jeans. In terms of your situation, it doesn't really translate well because the general public probably doesn't associate you with your company unless you are in the act of working.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 44Thrilla:</div><div class="quote_post">the NBA isn't making too much of a stretch by requiring them to show up in a collared shirt and jeans.</div> Hell I agree in every way ... I was only playing devil's advoicate. The best the league had to offer have always worn suits and looked proffessional. From Magic and Jordan to Shaq, and even Kevin dresses like a proffessional.
I haven't heard the specifics, but do think that (if this is the point) that wearing suits is extreme. Business casual with slacks is cool in my mind.
