New NBA dress code
Background: Indiana Pacers swingman Stephen Jackson has said the NBA’s jewelry ban as part of the new dress code is “a racist statement from the league” that ends up “attacking young black males.” In protest, he wore every chain he owned last Tuesday. But when the Pacers’ season begins this week, the outspoken five-year NBA veteran won’t cause a stir. “It’s basically freedom of speech,” Jackson said. “I spoke my mind. But I will respect (NBA commissioner David Stern’s) decision, abide by his rules, tuck in my chains and wear a suit. I love my job.”
What’s up: While having to add sport coats and other business casual dress clothes to their wardrobes is making some NBA players frown, it is making a lot of tailors smile. Renowned clothier Cary Mitchell, who designed the Charlotte Bobcats’ uniforms and Tiger Woods’ pants, recently took new suit orders from New Orleans-Oklahoma City rookie guard Chris Paul and Detroit’s Ben Wallace, among others. San Antonio swingman Michael Finley’s tailor, Willie Scott, asked his client to pass out his business card to teammates. “It’s picked it up a little bit,” Mitchell said. “But I feel it really only affects the first- and second-year guys, really. Most of the vets have accumulated enough stuff where they don’t pay for any.” Prior to the dress code, Mitchell was asked to speak at the NBA’s rookie transition camp in late September about dressing professionally. “I’m not surprised,” Mitchell said about the dress code. “I thought they first would have done it for the bench. It really got out of hand on the bench with guys wearing throwbacks (jerseys), white T-shirts and jewelry. … I think I’m more surprised about the (dress code) in and out of the arena. I’m surprised they went that far.”
What’s next: Mitchell said the best-dressed player in the NBA is Miami’s Alonzo Mourning, who purchases fabric for his suits from stores in New York City. Another sharp dresser is Finley, but he doesn’t totally agree with the dress code. “They are trying to improve our image,” Finley said. “But I don’t think our clothes improve our image. You can put a monkey in a suit and he’s still a monkey.”
Spears’ take: The NBA should have just told players to wear team warmups on the bench. Banning sweaters and jewelry is going way overboard. Don’t be surprised if inactive players stay in the locker room to avoid having to sit on the bench in business casual clothes.
