Dennis Rodman used to confront the media while wearing sunglasses. Allen Iverson still favours the do-rag look, while Vince Carter is often seen in public with a huge, diamond-studded cross hanging around his neck. Under the new -- some would argue invasive -- dress code to be adopted by the National Basketball Association this season, that sort of apparel will be forbidden as the league attempts to spruce up its image by going less hip-hop and more button-down.
Under the new policy, players engaged in team or league business will not be allowed to wear sleeveless shirts, shorts and headphones.
Details of the new code were spelled out in an internal memo e-mailed to all teams yesterday.
Appropriate shoes and socks must also be worn, according to the memo, but not "sneakers, sandals, flip-flops or work boots." Headgear of any kind -- i.e. do-rags -- will be strictly prohibited as will chains, pendants or medallions that many players wear over their clothing.
Players will also be prohibited from wearing sunglasses indoors.
"We know it's not possible to create a dress policy that will anticipate every possible situation," the memo said. "Our policy will therefore be interpreted in all cases to ensure that players are neatly and professionally attired, while not being unfairly burdensome."
The new policy is to go into effect for the start of the regular season.
Players will be required to wear "business casual" whenever they are engaged in team or league business. The league defines business casual as: "a long- or short-sleeved dress shirt (collared or turtleneck) and/or a sweater; dress slacks, khaki pants or dress jeans; appropriate shoes and socks, including dress shoes, dress boots or other presentable shoes . . ."
The new rules will apply to players arriving at games, leaving games, attending games when not in uniform, participating in team or league events with business partners or in the community, conducting media interviews and making promotional or other appearances.
NBA commissioner David Stern was in Toronto watching Sunday's exhibition game between Toronto and Maccabi Tel Aviv. He visited the Raptors' locker room and talked to the players about the guidelines.
"I can't speak for the players, but what I think David presented to our players was very reasonable," said Richard Peddie, president and chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Sport and Entertainment Ltd., the owner of the Raptors. "Even though [player]Morris Peterson joked it was the hip-hop generation, I think what David's come up with, what the league's come up with, is a nice pragmatic balance."
Matt Bonner, a forward with the Raptors and the team's union representative, said that like them or not, the new dress guidelines make common sense for the most part.
"No one likes to be told what to wear, but the league's trying to clean up their image and people are judged quite often on first impressions," he said last night. "When you see people in the public or meet them in person, quite often first impressions are, unfortunately, determined by what you see on the outside."
The players have known for some time that a dress code was forthcoming. Some, like Iverson, have said they believe it unnecessary.
"Just because you put a guy in a tuxedo, it doesn't mean he's a good guy," Iverson told the Philadelphia Daily News this month.