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.
SHUT UP AND PLAY BASKETBALL, IDIOT...that is what you're being paid to do! If you want to wear your chains and fancy clothes, change vocations and become a pimp!
"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."
The NBA is paying the price for allowing the once great game of pro basketball to morph into thugball.
A UCONN booster who had to decide which NCAA championship game to go to because the man's and women's teams were both playing, told SI that he prefered the women's game. When asked the biggest difference he responded. "the women wear less jewelery".
Racist?
When the word "racist" is used, it means attacking someone in regards to their race, the way they were born. I was unaware that "young black men" were born with gold chains over their clothes. This must be terribly uncomfortable for their mothers.
Mark
NBA players set an example for the gangbangers in your town...
My heart bleeds. I think we would do well to start a
SAVE THE CHAINS donation thread here and in our neighborhoods. "OFF THE OPPRESSING SLAVEHOLDING CAPITILISTIC SWINE LEAGUE MASTERS WHO STOMP ALL OVER OUR MANHOOD BY DISSING OUR CHAINS" could be the rallying cry.
But we must gain support of all freedom loving peoples
remind them today it is thugee chains- but tommorrow it will be Golf Pants.
That is precisely what drove me away from the league. I wanted to enjoy a good sport, not watch a hip hop lifestyle paraded in front of my eyes. Which is why college football is the best sport going.
Using modern Leftist logic, chains are a symbol of slavery. One can then assume that the NBA is just being politically correct by removing such symbols.
Bling ping
Marc Stein, is that a Mark Steyn knockoff?
This guy is is fast becoming the second major embarassment for the Pacers after Ron Artest. With knuckleheads like Jackson and Artest in the Pacer locker room, the Pacers are going to miss the maturity and professional demeanor of Reggie Miller before the end of the season. He kept these children focused. If they get off to a slow start, watch for the team chemistry to implode.
Imagine if the dress code required chains?
That would be discriminatory against three-point shooters.
Gee...most of the rest of the world must dress in a certain way to satisfy the company's image. Only these spoiled athletes think they are above all that. Of course, I don't recall to many pictures of the San Antonio Spurs dressing like pimps in the 'hood, so I guess it's not really necessary, Mr. Jackson.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.