The NFP

By Greg Kelminson

The NBA has finally achieved all its objectives. The league has obviously mastered any salary cap issues, ridded all violence from the league, and has purged its reputation that drugs are rampant in the NBA. Yes, it was only a matter time before the league addressed the most ubiquitous and pressing issue the league has ever faced: a mandatory dress code.

The NBA has turned into the National Fashion Police (NFP). Business casual attire is required during league or team activity. Players must wear a collared or turtle neck shirt. Khakis, jeans, or dress pants are required as well. I don’t want to see Dirk Nowitzki dressing up in an attempt to look nice. Did you see what he wore during his Dallas Mavericks conference introducing him as their top pick? In case you forgot here is a link: http://www.njsportspromotions.com/NowitzkiUltrarookie.jpg. I’d much rather see him in this attire: http://www.deansplanet.com/encounters_dirk-nowinski.html. I am unsure what the NBA thinks this new requirement is going to accomplish? Will people who wish to emulate Allen Iverson wear blazers instead of gold chains? I understand the NBA has a reputation to uphold, but the clothing is not the thing causing harm to its reputation. It is people like Shawn Kemp the NBA needs to be worried about.

Shawn Kemp has been in and out of rehab for drugs. His weight had ballooned almost as much as the number of illegitimate kids he has. Players like Damon Stoudamire and Rasheed Wallace have been caught using marijuana. Fellow star, Carmelo Anthony has also been ticketed for possession. The NBA needs to deal with the problem head on. It needs stricter standards and penalties for drug offenders. Charles Oakley claims 60% of the league uses marijuana and calls the enforcement by the NBA “a joke”.

So let Allen Iverson be Allen Iverson. If you squash his individuality what incentive does he have to try and be a role model? The more one attempts to change a person is, the more angered and rebellious the player will become. Mr. Stern needs to focus on the bigger problems that are responsible for the poor reputation of the NBA, but it now seems as if Mr. Stern is in fact a big reason why the NBA’s reputation is lacking.