Allen Iverson, arguably the most infleuntial athlete since Michael Jordan, became a house hold name by simply being himself. Tatoos, Du-rags, the different sports team jersey’s and hats during press confrences, the all famous “practice” qoute, having his beutiful kids in all black minks showing the world he isnt the only Iverson with style, yes A.I. did this before Steph Curry. The Cross over, the undeniable effort on the floor every game, the same killer instinct we saw later in Kobe and begged to see from Lebron.
The outspoken king who never let controversy, fines, injuries or people stop him from being the greatest person he could be. The undeniable love for his mom nwho attended almost every game, the love for the fans and love for the sport go unmatched. The vision, hope, style, attitude and praise he gave to the youth around the world, inner city and suburban kids have felt is monumental. From the changing of the rules, changing the dress code, changing the intensity of the sport has created a culture that will never be tarnished. Kids at the playground to the 50 and up club at the local gym rocking what we now know as the shooter sleeve. Some even pushed the limits to match the ever changing patterns of cornrows made famous by the young legend. Allen Iverson hands down top 10 most influential athletes of all time, along side the likes of Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Muhammad Ali, Kobe Bryant etc.
Iverson was never out to impress anybody but himself. Jewelry, hats, headphones, and baggy clothes became staples of his pre-game style. Soon, other players took notice. In reality, NBA players were emulating a style prevalent outside the NBA, but Iverson helped usher it into the league.
Then-NBA Commissioner David Stern took notice. After seeing how the Serbian national team wore matching sports jackets as opposed to Team USA’s sweatsuits, jeans, and chains, he took action in the form of a new dress code. This included strict rules regarding what the players could and could not wear:
- No sleeveless shirts
- No shorts
- No t-shirts, jerseys, or sports apparel unless pre-approved
- No hats during games, interviews, or league events
- No chains, pendants, or medallions
- No sunglasses
- No headphones while in the tunnel
- Players were to wear business casual clothing before games, including collared shirts and sports coats.
The league has loosened up on the dress code in the years since. Players can and do express themselves through fashion once more, but it’s a far different time than when Iverson played. Baggy clothes are gone, and NBA players wear skinny jeans and tighter clothes instead.
Iverson poked fun at the current trends, joking that they should implement a dress code based on what the current crop of NBA players wear. “They made a big deal when I was doing it,” Iverson told Nice Kicks. “But some of the stuff these dudes are wearing? Come on man. They were picking on me, obviously, if they let these guys wear what they wear now.”
Not only did the rules change off the court they were also changed on the court to try to slow down and modify the style of play Allen created. The palming rule that was supposed to hender his cross over, the technical foul which was brought in for Rasheed Wallace ended up being modifed to the slightest wave of the hand to dismiss the refs call as liable for foul. Racism reigned true in the sport but has greatly elevated since.
Personally Allen Iverson is hands down top 5 most influential athletes in my book. He fully embraced the culture that created him and never turned his back on us for the corporate dollar. Allen Iverson is living proof of changing the system while your at the table and allowing his footsteps to be followed with sure direction. Giving players like Kyrie Irving and the russle Westbrooks the courage to continue to bring individualism, truth and the culture to the sport of basketball.
