Posted on 10/19/2005 6:57:39 AM PDT by Niteranger68
INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Pacers guard Stephen Jackson, contending that a league ban on chains worn over clothing is "a racist statement" from the league, wore every long, diamond-studded chain in his collection Tuesday night as a protest.
Jackson voiced no opposition to the bulk of the "business casual" demands in the NBA's new dress code, but he described the jewelry ban as "attacking young black males."
"I think it's a racist statement because a lot of the guys who are wearing chains are my age and are black," said Jackson, 27. "I wore all my jewelry today to let it be known that I'm upset with it.
"I'll wear a suit every day. I think we do need to look more professional because it is a business. A lot of guys have gotten sloppy with the way they dress. But it's one thing to [enforce a] dress code and it's another thing if you're attacking cultures, and that's what I think they're doing."
Jackson made his comments before Tuesday's home exhibition game against San Antonio, with the four chains he wore to work hanging in his locker -- one sporting his initials, two with a crucifix and a fourth depicting Jesus Christ.
A section in the new dress code listing items players are not allowed to wear on team or league business includes "chains, pendants or medallions worn over the player's clothing."
"I know a lot of guys on my team are upset and I have no problem speaking up on it," Jackson said.
Jackson, though, said he wouldn't openly defy the rule if it means he keeps "giving money back" in fines.
San Antonio's Tim Duncan, far less vocal but also a critic of the new policy, did not play in Tuesday's game and sat on the bench wearing an untucked shirt and baggy jeans -- attire that could result in a fine if seen during a regular-season game.
A specific range of penalties has yet to be announced, but league officials have already made it clear that violators of the dress code will be fined -- as well as their teams -- with repeat violators subject to suspension.
Principle only goes so far, you know. He's got a family to feed and a mortgage to pay.
I'm so sorry you get paid only mere millions of dollars and you have to put up with such repression. I'm going straight to my bosses and complaining because they won't let me wear diamond-studded chains around my neck over my tie.
There is no accounting for (bad) taste.
There is no accounting for (bad) taste.
Then again, it wouldn't make much sense for the NBA to have a dress code that addressed fashion trends of old asian ladies.
It must be terrible to be an NBA player. Having a dress code and not being allowed to dress like a thug at your workplace must be so rough for someone making millions. Perhaps we should give them a stipend to buy new clothes like Marcus Camby has suggested? (Note this is sarcasm. many on here do not have a sarcasm detector).
Dunbe disrespeccn the chainz!
Hey foo! Chains is OK!
"I think it's a racist statement because a lot of the guys who are wearing chains are my age and are black," said Jackson, 27.
Uh, aren't ALL NBA rules disproportionately aimed at young black males? It's not like there are a lot of elderly Filipino ladies on most pro basketball teams.
Was waiting for the Mr. T pic
Thought I'd have to post it myself :-)
The NBA is now what the NHL used to be. A bottom-feeding league that's going to dissipate into irrelevancy.
Imagine if the dress code required chains?
How would black American males feel about that?
Too bad the impeccable fashion taste of Michael Jordan didn't catch on.
I guess Jackson wears chains to symbolize how his people came to America in chains.
Or is he a member of a chain gang?
LOL, Mr. T did it his way.
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