Have we seen the last of ninja-style headbands?
In a move that broke the hearts of millions, the NBA announced over the weekend that players would no longer be permitted to wear ninja-style headbands. A trend that took the NBA by storm last season, the headbands were very popular among some 76ers, including Joel Embiid and, most notably, Mike Scott.
The NBA’s decision to ban the headband seems – for lack of a better word – pretty stupid. NBA spokesperson Mike Bass released a statement on the matter citing player safety as a major reason for the change, which – again – is pretty stupid.
The NBA notified teams that it won’t allow players to wear “ninja-style headwear” this season, NBA spokesman Mike Bass tells ESPN. The headwear “…hasn’t been through the league approval process. Teams have raised concerns regarding safety and consistency of size, length …”
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 9, 2019
What safety hazards could arise from wearing headbands? Are they afraid players might cut off blood circulation to their brain? Maybe the headband could fall over the player’s eyes and lead to some Mr. Magoo-type antics? Or maybe they’re just afraid it could lead to a rash? It’s hard to find one concrete issue when there are already so many made-up problems.
Prior to the league’s official ruling, there were reports that players who most frequently wore the headbands were given immediate word on the upcoming ban. Players, like Mike Scott, were informed the league would no longer allow ninja-style headbands due to their “unprofessional” appearance.
According to @mikescott, @Nike and @NBA have banned the ninja-style tied headbands that became so popular last year. According to Scott, Nike said they appeared “unprofessional”. 🏀 Bad move IMO, as players and fans loved this new style #NBA pic.twitter.com/PCJic2n446
— “Crazy” Jay Larrananga (@ZakBagu) September 7, 2019
So just to be clear, grown men wearing shorts and sneakers and putting a ball through a hoop is fine, but once someone ties a headband around their head, then it becomes unprofessional. The NBA is acting as if these headbands are something exclusively cosmetic. If it’s what the player feels most comfortable in, let them wear it. This isn’t Dwyane Wade wearing custom bandaids because they look cool. Headbands can actually serve a purpose.
Although news of the ban came as a surprise to most NBA fans, it seems the NBA had long been planning to do away with the ninja look. As part of the NBA’s official statement, Bass mentions that the NBA didn’t want to make any changes mid-season, but informed teams in May that the headbands would no longer be allowed.
Bass: “When some players began wearing them last season, we didn’t want to cause a disruption by intervening midseason…” NBA notified teams in May that the headwear “would not be a part of this seasons uniforms.” https://t.co/23IjTaoT8v
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 9, 2019
The NBA never supported the headbands. They’ve wanted to get rid of the headbands from the start, but couldn’t due to their popularity among players and fans. As soon as the league had the opportunity, they took it.
As disappointing as all this is, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise. The NBA has a history of being a little too concerned with the appearance of its players. After all, the league banned tights for a while because they could be seen under the player’s shorts.
Competition Committee is discussing issue in meetings today. As Bass said, teams raised concern about size, length “how they are tied which requires a thorough review before consideration of any rule change.” Among players who wore them: Jimmy Butler, Jrue Holiday, Jarrett Allen. https://t.co/Agak7SLS9V
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 9, 2019
Despite everything the league has done, there’s still some hope for the headbands. The NBA Competition Committee met on Monday to discuss the headbands. NBA teams had voiced concerns over the size and length of the headband and how the knot is tied. If the Competition Committee can create some type of template for the headbands, they may be able to find a way to keep them in the league.
