Post by Doze06 on Oct 10, 2005 4:03:38 GMT -5
Dress code rankles Wolves
BY RICK ALONZO
Pioneer Press
Timberwolves players have joined a growing complaint around the NBA about the league's proposed off-court dress code.
Wally Szczerbiak, the team's representative in the players union, said his teammates are opposed to the idea of being required to wear a sport coat and slacks for team functions.
The dress code hasn't been made official, but players are aware that it could be implemented this season. NBA Commissioner David Stern is pushing the idea to spruce up the league's image following a 2004-05 season that included some public relations nightmares, headlined by the Indiana Pacers' brawl with fans during a game at Detroit.
"This whole dress code thing is a big ordeal right now," Szczerbiak said. "The NBA just snaps their fingers and proposes to change the entire dress code. They don't understand the cultures and what goes into all that stuff."
Stern recently told the Boston Globe that he considers a dress code part of a changing job description. Jackets and slacks are in, and jeans are excluded.
"It's what the job entails," Stern was quoted in the Globe. "We've always moved to the fashion of our players. Years ago, the fashion was a jacket and tie. Now, it's a much more casual approach. But our referees are always attired a certain way based upon their job description when they come into the building. Our coaches are attired a certain way when they come on the court. We decided that it was time (for the players)."
When Michael Jordan was the face of the NBA, he wouldn't appear on camera in a locker room interview until he was dressed in a suit and tie. That era is over.
Philadelphia's Allen Iverson and San Antonio's Tim Duncan are previous NBA most valuable players who tend to dress casually.
"I dress to make myself comfortable," Iverson told the Philadelphia Daily News regarding a new dress code. "I really do have a problem with it. … It's just not right."
Wolves starter Trenton Hassell, for example, often arrives at arenas in sweat pants and T-shirts. Szczerbiak said his teammates are willing to compromise on a dress code, perhaps giving up sweats. But getting dressed up for team flights, for example?
"They're going to try to fine us if we don't," Szczerbiak said. "They're going to plant people around to be checking up on teams."
Wolves point guard Troy Hudson said he thinks the dress code might be reasonable under limited circumstances, such as when a player not available for a game is sitting on the bench.
"I think it should be narrowed down to maybe TNT games where the camera's going to be behind scenes, where guys are walking in the arenas and getting off the bus when the camera has a look on those guys," Hudson said.
Szczerbiak said NBA players, like actors and entertainers, are part of pop culture, which doesn't fit with buttoned-down attire.
"Jeans are a big part of American culture, and they're trying to nix jeans," he said.
BY RICK ALONZO
Pioneer Press
Timberwolves players have joined a growing complaint around the NBA about the league's proposed off-court dress code.
Wally Szczerbiak, the team's representative in the players union, said his teammates are opposed to the idea of being required to wear a sport coat and slacks for team functions.
The dress code hasn't been made official, but players are aware that it could be implemented this season. NBA Commissioner David Stern is pushing the idea to spruce up the league's image following a 2004-05 season that included some public relations nightmares, headlined by the Indiana Pacers' brawl with fans during a game at Detroit.
"This whole dress code thing is a big ordeal right now," Szczerbiak said. "The NBA just snaps their fingers and proposes to change the entire dress code. They don't understand the cultures and what goes into all that stuff."
Stern recently told the Boston Globe that he considers a dress code part of a changing job description. Jackets and slacks are in, and jeans are excluded.
"It's what the job entails," Stern was quoted in the Globe. "We've always moved to the fashion of our players. Years ago, the fashion was a jacket and tie. Now, it's a much more casual approach. But our referees are always attired a certain way based upon their job description when they come into the building. Our coaches are attired a certain way when they come on the court. We decided that it was time (for the players)."
When Michael Jordan was the face of the NBA, he wouldn't appear on camera in a locker room interview until he was dressed in a suit and tie. That era is over.
Philadelphia's Allen Iverson and San Antonio's Tim Duncan are previous NBA most valuable players who tend to dress casually.
"I dress to make myself comfortable," Iverson told the Philadelphia Daily News regarding a new dress code. "I really do have a problem with it. … It's just not right."
Wolves starter Trenton Hassell, for example, often arrives at arenas in sweat pants and T-shirts. Szczerbiak said his teammates are willing to compromise on a dress code, perhaps giving up sweats. But getting dressed up for team flights, for example?
"They're going to try to fine us if we don't," Szczerbiak said. "They're going to plant people around to be checking up on teams."
Wolves point guard Troy Hudson said he thinks the dress code might be reasonable under limited circumstances, such as when a player not available for a game is sitting on the bench.
"I think it should be narrowed down to maybe TNT games where the camera's going to be behind scenes, where guys are walking in the arenas and getting off the bus when the camera has a look on those guys," Hudson said.
Szczerbiak said NBA players, like actors and entertainers, are part of pop culture, which doesn't fit with buttoned-down attire.
"Jeans are a big part of American culture, and they're trying to nix jeans," he said.
