Attention NBA players –
The NBA isn’t trying to eliminate the young, black culture, they are trying to make it better for you the player and me the fan.
At the very minimum, you have to wear a pair of slacks, a shirt with a collar, and some nice shoes that aren’t sneakers.
Basically what millions of Americans wear to work daily.
You don’t have to dress up like a butler, complete with a tuxedo with tails and top-hat, or wear leisure suits that make you look like Al Bundy.
Do you remember Michael Jordan? Jordan was the poster-child of projecting an image of professionalism. Would you consider Jordan successful as a business man? His Air Jordan sneakers set the benchmark for endorsements and is what every single one of you measure yourself by. Later, he spun off a clothing line based on his name, largely based on the success of his sneaker sales. However, Nike wasn’t his only business success – Rayovac, McDonalds and Hanes all had major marketing campaigns that featured Jordan as the centerpiece. Jordan always wore a suit. He always dressed nicely whenever making a public appearance.
Basically, the NBA is asking you to be like Jordan. Be Professional.
The NBA is having trouble with it’s image. It’s not like they are making things up – look around you at the empty arenas. Black or White, Asian or European, dressing for success always leads to a good impression. Do you know anyone that ever got a good job by dressing like they just woke up or wore excessive amounts of jewelry to their interview? I don’t. Most people I know dress nicely to project a serious, professional attitude that says “hey – take me seriously”.
It’s not a matter of culture or intelligence; it’s a matter of seriousness and professionalism.
