Los Angeles (AFP)
Small fashion phenomenon on US floors last season, the wearing of the "ninja headband", popularized by players like Jimmy Butler or De'Aaron Fox, was banned by the NBA for the 2019/20, in agreement with the Nike equipment manufacturer.
To justify this decision on the ban on this accessory, the North American Basketball League pleaded a reason related to the safety of the players.
"The long banners, which are not equipment of the NBA, have not passed the approval tests of the League," said spokesman Mike Bass, in a statement sent to ESPN.
"The teams have expressed concerns about the safety, the size, the length and the way these headbands are attached, which requires a thorough review before considering any rule changes," he added.
"When some players started to wear them last season, we did not want to disrupt in the middle of the season, and the NBA informed the teams in May that the + ninja + banner would not be part of this season's uniform." he concluded.
The "ninja headband" was worn regularly last season by Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat), Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings), Jrue Holiday (New Orleans Pelicans) or Montrezl Harrell (Los Angeles Clippers). Stars like LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) or Russell Westbrook (Houston Rockets) had suggested that they would wear them, posting photos of them on social networks.
The ban has already reacted Mike Scott, Philadelphia 76ers player, who has launched a petition on Twitter to try to return the NBA on his decision.
© 2019 AFP