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Allen Iverson Was The Main Reason For David Stern To Implement The NBA Dresscode 16 Years Ago Today

Former Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson is considered one of the most groundbreaking players in NBA history. His skills, unique style, and devastating crossover–to go with his 6’0” frame–put him in the same breath with some of the all-time greats. Iverson went toe-to-toe with many of them, and never backed down from a fight.

Iverson was one of the flashiest and coolest guys to ever play in this league, and was one of the main reasons why the NBA implemented a dress code 16 years ago today. The 11-time All-Star was known for arriving to post-game interviews or games he sat out in wearing his street clothes. His baggy, hip-hop-styled clothes were considered unprofessional for the league.

During a 2017 interview with Len Werle of OpenCourt-Basketball, Iverson revealed that he basically got blamed for being himself.

“I was just being me. I never planned none of it. I simply dressed like the dude from my hood that I grew up with. In the end, it was a bittersweet feeling, because I took an ass-whoopping for it… just for being myself,” 

So when then-Commissioner David Stern’s implemented the dress code on October 17, 2005, it stated that ‘all players must dress in business or conservative attire while arriving and departing during a scheduled game, on the bench while injured, and when conducting official NBA business (press interviews, charity events, etc.)’.

The new dress code banned (vintage) jerseys, jeans, hats, sunglasses (indoor), headphones, do-rags, T-shirts, large jewelry, sneakers and Timberland-style boots. Violations of the dress code could not only lead to fines, but also suspensions:

This particular clothing is not allowed to be worn by players to interviews, games (on and off the bench), charity events, or any other occasion affiliated with the NBA and its developmental league. Violators of the dress code are fined and may be suspended with repeat offenses.