http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/37608/20051020/richardson_says_dress_code_targets_black_players/

Richardson Says Dress Code Targets Black Players
20th October, 2005 - 2:37 am
ESPN.com - Jason Richardson wants to keep wearing his chains, and the Golden State Warriors guard believes the NBA's new dress code takes aim at black players in the league.

He is calling for the players' association to fight the new wardrobe rules announced this week that will go into effect when the season kicks off next month.

"They want to sway away from the hip-hop generation," Richardson said Wednesday night before the Warriors played the Phoenix Suns in a preseason game. "You think of hip-hop right now and think of things that happen like gangs having shootouts in front of radio stations.

"One thing to me that was kind of racist was you can't wear chains outside your clothing. I don't understand what that has to do with being business approachable. ... You wear a suit, you still could be a crook. You see all what happened with Enron and Martha Stewart. Just because you dress a certain way doesn't mean you're that way. Hey, a guy could come in with baggy jeans, a 'do rag and have a Ph.D. and a person who comes in with a suit could be a three-time felon."

Players will be required to wear business-casual attire when involved in team or league business. They can't wear visible chains, pendants or medallions over their clothes.

The NBA announced Monday in a memo to teams that a dress code will go into effect at the start of the season. Saying players must dress in "business casual" attire, the league banned items such as sleeveless shirts, shorts, sunglasses while indoors, and headphones during team or league business.

The policy also requires players on the bench not in uniform to wear sport jackets, shoes and socks. [READ]

Jesus. Would it be difficult for society to not cry racism every single time a decision is made that they don't like? Are chains only worn by one single race? Absolutely not. Give me a break.

Tim Duncan has gone down as saying that this new rule is "just retarded". But I agree with you, in that the using the race card in this scenario is ridiculous, but I also dont think the NBA should have this rule.

Posted by HARDCOREKNICKSFAN:

He's not stating "only" any particular race wears chains. He clearly stated that Black males in that particular type of clothing are percieved by some ignorant people as looking like a "crook" or "felon". That's what's ridiculous about this situation.

It's not about a race "card", and I didn't see the man shed a tear. He made a valid point.

How is this a valid point? Is it such a big deal that the NBA is actually doing something to consider its image? Having a dress code is racist? The only thing racist is Jason Richardson's statements and I take personal offense to such nonsense. I agree with the NBA looking out for its image... this has nothing to do with any particular race and it's very foolish to even make such a statement.