NBA commissioner David Stern has issued a zero tolerance policy for players complaining to referees.
This is great.
Players aren’t going to change ref’s calls anyway. The NBA might as well save some time and cutback on the jabbering. Stars that are constantly pleading their case to the refs will have to zip their mouths if they want to stay in the game.
Complain to the refs, that’s one technical.
Complain again, you’re out of the game.
Stern is also cutting back on the NBA’s “hip-hop” images. Players are not allowed to wear chains, bling bling, or jerseys before or after the game, they must wear suits and sports coats.
This is perhaps one of the smartest things that Stern has done as commissioner. The NBA is often related with rap and hip-hop music. Several players have “possies” and are involved in crime and shootings. (i.e. Stephen Jackson) Stern has even told players to leave their guns at home.
Kids always look up to athletes. What example are athletes setting if they are dressed in jerseys that are four sizes too big and wear chains around their necks that are fit for a giraffe? What type of message is Stephen Jackson sending to kids when he is involved in a shootout near a strip club? Kids need role models like Dr.J or Red Auerbach, the golden oldies that played ball and didn’t open up their mouths. Back then, rap and hip-hop music did not exist and players weren’t convicted of shootings or carrying fire arms. I am not bias against rap, in fact I like rap music myself, but violence is often the root of rap. I’m not saying that rap music is the cause of violence and bad image in the NBA. I’m saying that rap and hip-hop music often are linked, even in the NBA, and something needs to be done about it.
Stern has taken a step in the right direction to fix the NBA’s image.
