http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txheatwadebandaid&prov=st&type=lgns ATLANTA (TICKER) —No more Band-Wade. Prior to the Miami Heat’s 91-83 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, the NBA banned Heat superstar Dwyane Wade from donning the Band-Aid on his left cheek that quickly had become a fashion statement. Wade, the league’s leading scorer, originally wore the Band-Aid to seal a cut beneath his left eye. In the following days, including during NBA All-Star Weekend, Wade slapped his name, nickname “Flash” and even the American flag on the Band-Aid, though the wound had healed. The NBA, doing its best impression of the NFL, wanted to stop the self-promotion. “We spoke to (the Heat),” NBA spokesman Tim Frank said, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “A player can wear a Band-Aid for healthcare purposes, but it shouldn’t have any name or identifications on it.” The league aims for conformity at the arena, where players are forced to abide by a strict dress code before and after the game. Citing Frank, the newspaper said that Wade and the Heat weren’t in danger of any penalty but needed a quick reminder. “We offered clarity to them,” Frank told the Sun-Sentinel. “You can’t wear an identifiable Band-Aid. We don’t expect it to be an issue, so there will be no need for a penalty.” Two years ago, the NBA banned full-length tights under uniforms, which players had used as a fashion statement rather than for their intended medical use. The same now can be said for Wade’s rather unique facial accessory. Updated Feb 28, 3:44 am EST
Wasn't Wade the reason why the NBA banned the full length panty hose? He's spends too much time making fashion statements.
The Eastern conference stars in general seem to be all about showmanship anyway. Garnett, Howard, Nate, Shaq, Wade, Lebron.... they're all locked in a battle for attention. A bunch of big kids.
In a related story - the NBA has also requested that official Violet Palmer remove the band aids from her eyes when officiating games.
If only... the difference that would actually be useful.. so don't count on the NBA to do it any time soon.
why do officials in the nba care so much about what the players wear? if it isnt offensive, then who cares, i mean, he is your leading scorer, so why make a big deal about it?
I think it was Kobe who wore the tights and then some players like Wade and Lebron mostly followed and then the NBA was like 'Nah-uh, that's not happening.' NBA and Stern are control freaks any way. Let the players wear any accessories they want as long as it isn't offensive so what.
Its the whole deal of having one little thing being a gateway to other things. Like if they allow a band aid it'd lead to all kinds of personal fashion accessories (that would distract attention away from the NBA brand uniforms and such). Real world occupations dont compare to the NBA, but if you went to work everday with a colored bandaid on your face with your name on it I'd think coworkers, customers or management might complain. Just how it goes, even if visible tattoos and multi-colored Rodman hair might be worse.
I'm amazed the NBA actually followed through with this. Took them a while though. I figured they were going to let it slide since Wade's one of the biggest and most marketable players in the league. One could argue the NBA should also prevent Rip from wearing his mask, since it shouldn't take 5 years for a broken nose to mend haha.
