Spurminator
12-08-2005, 05:37 PM
NBA Players Object to "White Makeup" Policy
By Chris Sheridan
ESPN Insider
The NBA Players' Union has appealed to an arbitrator to reverse several fines levied on NBA players for failing to apply sufficient white makeup to their bodies 2 hours before game time.
As a part of the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, players are now required to apply at least three coats of white base to their bodies by 120 minutes before tipoff in order to project a more professional image once cameras begin to capture them.
"I think this represents an unfair and perhaps somewhat prejudiced requirement of NBA Players," said union director Billy Hunter.
Since the beginning of the season, the NBA has levied over $20,000,000,000 worth of $5,000 fines on players such as Allen Iverson, Corey Maggette, Ben Wallace, Eddie Griffin and Jason Williams for failing to show up to the arena with a pale enough complexion.
"The Player's Union agreed to this stipulation during the CBA negotiations," NBA Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik told ESPN. Granik then showed a transcript of the negotiations where the rule change was presented and Billy Hunter responded, "That's cool, man, whatever, is it 4:30 yet?"
Players like Bucks Center James (formerly Jamaal, before the NBA's "Professional Name" stipulation, also negotiated in the past year's CBA) Magloire, feel the makeup rule is racist in nature. "They're trying to white out the league, and that ain't right."
NBA Commissioner David Stern laughed at racial accusations, as well as Magloire's use of the word "ain't."
"We heard the same thing about the age limit and the dress code. We got the same response for fining players for wearing long shorts, and to this day I receive at least three calls a day complaining about the oversaturation of Rob Thomas songs in NBA promotions."
Players are given one warning for their first offense, after which they are given a $5,000 fine for failing to apply white makeup to their bodies. In addition to this fine, players may have an additional $10,000 charged for public complaints about the policy. An anonymous insider tells ESPN that Houston forward John Howard was fined $2,000 for rolling his eyes when he received notification of the fine.
"If players have such a problem with this policy," said Stern, "they should have said something during Collective Bargaining."
"We didn't think it would actually be enforced," claims Hunter. "The Owners toss out all kinds of wacky stuff during Collective Bargaining, we just figure they'll forget about most of it."
"Besides," he continued, "I forgot my notepad that day."
Not all NBA players have a problem with the policy. Lakers forward Luke Walton has worn makeup since his High School days and says other players should too. "Is it really so much to ask? I mean, it makes you look really hot."
By Chris Sheridan
ESPN Insider
The NBA Players' Union has appealed to an arbitrator to reverse several fines levied on NBA players for failing to apply sufficient white makeup to their bodies 2 hours before game time.
As a part of the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, players are now required to apply at least three coats of white base to their bodies by 120 minutes before tipoff in order to project a more professional image once cameras begin to capture them.
"I think this represents an unfair and perhaps somewhat prejudiced requirement of NBA Players," said union director Billy Hunter.
Since the beginning of the season, the NBA has levied over $20,000,000,000 worth of $5,000 fines on players such as Allen Iverson, Corey Maggette, Ben Wallace, Eddie Griffin and Jason Williams for failing to show up to the arena with a pale enough complexion.
"The Player's Union agreed to this stipulation during the CBA negotiations," NBA Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik told ESPN. Granik then showed a transcript of the negotiations where the rule change was presented and Billy Hunter responded, "That's cool, man, whatever, is it 4:30 yet?"
Players like Bucks Center James (formerly Jamaal, before the NBA's "Professional Name" stipulation, also negotiated in the past year's CBA) Magloire, feel the makeup rule is racist in nature. "They're trying to white out the league, and that ain't right."
NBA Commissioner David Stern laughed at racial accusations, as well as Magloire's use of the word "ain't."
"We heard the same thing about the age limit and the dress code. We got the same response for fining players for wearing long shorts, and to this day I receive at least three calls a day complaining about the oversaturation of Rob Thomas songs in NBA promotions."
Players are given one warning for their first offense, after which they are given a $5,000 fine for failing to apply white makeup to their bodies. In addition to this fine, players may have an additional $10,000 charged for public complaints about the policy. An anonymous insider tells ESPN that Houston forward John Howard was fined $2,000 for rolling his eyes when he received notification of the fine.
"If players have such a problem with this policy," said Stern, "they should have said something during Collective Bargaining."
"We didn't think it would actually be enforced," claims Hunter. "The Owners toss out all kinds of wacky stuff during Collective Bargaining, we just figure they'll forget about most of it."
"Besides," he continued, "I forgot my notepad that day."
Not all NBA players have a problem with the policy. Lakers forward Luke Walton has worn makeup since his High School days and says other players should too. "Is it really so much to ask? I mean, it makes you look really hot."