NBA

Jackson: bling ban racist

By wire services
Published October 20, 2005

INDIANAPOLIS - Pacers guard Stephen Jackson believes the NBA's new ban on bling is racially motivated, but says he will abide by the rules.

The NBA announced a dress code will go into effect at the start of the season. 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.

Jackson, who is black, said the NBA's new rule about jewelry targets young black males because chains are associated with hip-hop culture, and he said the league is afraid of becoming "too hip-hop." In protest, he wore four chains to the Pacers' exhibition game against San Antonio.

Celtics star Paul Pierce agreed the new rule targeted young, black players.

"I think that's part of our culture," Pierce said. "The NBA is young black males."

Added Golden State guard Jason Richardson: "They want to sway away from the hip-hop generation. You think of hip-hop right now and think of things that happen like gangs having shootouts in front of radio stations."

Richardson added that nicer clothing wasn't necessarily the best way to determine the character of the players.

"You still wear a suit, you still could be a crook ... it's not what you wear, it's how you present yourself," he said.

Jackson defended his actions on Wednesday, but said he won't allow his feelings to cause a distraction during the season.

"I love wearing my jewelry. But I love my job," he said. "I love playing basketball more than I love getting fined and getting suspended."

HAWKS: Atlanta center Jason Collier's funeral was held in Dunwoody, Georgia. The 28-year-old died early Saturday.

The Hawks will leave Collier's uniform in his locker through the season, and wear black patches on their uniforms.

According to Forsyth County Coroner Lauren McDonald, a preliminary autopsy report may be released this week. Collier's agent, Richard Howell, said Collier may have had an enlarged heart.

BOBCATS: The team will open Charlotte Bobcats Arena at a ceremony today. The 19,000-seat arena replaces the Charlotte Coliseum, which opened in 1988.

[Last modified October 20, 2005, 01:20:19]