Sign of disrespect, not fashion
I imagine I'm in the minority on this issue -- and I'm sure some readers will believe it's just a sign that I am out of touch with the real world -- but I think I'm right.
In my humble opinion, Ronnie Brewer's decision to wear a headband during the sophomore-rookie game on All-Star Weekend was dead wrong. There could not have been much thought put into it because, on some level, his fashion statement could easily be construed as a sign of disrespect for coach Jerry Sloan and his methods.
As everyone around here knows, Sloan has a no-headband rule. His players are expected to play without one, perhaps because nobody before Wilt Chamberlain in the 1970s ever wore a headband and the game somehow managed to survive.
I mean, just what is the purpose of a headband? Does it prevent sweat from dripping into a player's face ... blinding him as he goes up for a game-winning jump shot?
Doubtful.
I've always thought the primary purpose of a headband is so mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, wives and girlfriends could more easily pick a player out of a crowd ... so the player could be more easily tracked on TV.
Maybe I'm wrong. I've already been wrong a few million times in my life. But until it's proven that a headband makes a player run faster, jump higher or shoot better, I will fail to see anything beyond individual decoration as the reason for wearing one.
That might be why Sloan doesn't allow them: headbands don't help win basketball games.
Personally, I think Brewer owed Sloan and the Jazz organization a little more respect than he showed during All-Star weekend.
-- Steve Luhm
In my humble opinion, Ronnie Brewer's decision to wear a headband during the sophomore-rookie game on All-Star Weekend was dead wrong. There could not have been much thought put into it because, on some level, his fashion statement could easily be construed as a sign of disrespect for coach Jerry Sloan and his methods.
As everyone around here knows, Sloan has a no-headband rule. His players are expected to play without one, perhaps because nobody before Wilt Chamberlain in the 1970s ever wore a headband and the game somehow managed to survive.
I mean, just what is the purpose of a headband? Does it prevent sweat from dripping into a player's face ... blinding him as he goes up for a game-winning jump shot?
Doubtful.
I've always thought the primary purpose of a headband is so mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, wives and girlfriends could more easily pick a player out of a crowd ... so the player could be more easily tracked on TV.
Maybe I'm wrong. I've already been wrong a few million times in my life. But until it's proven that a headband makes a player run faster, jump higher or shoot better, I will fail to see anything beyond individual decoration as the reason for wearing one.
That might be why Sloan doesn't allow them: headbands don't help win basketball games.
Personally, I think Brewer owed Sloan and the Jazz organization a little more respect than he showed during All-Star weekend.
-- Steve Luhm
11:04 AM
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10 Comments:
I agree with your comments on the head band usage as it was a tad inappropriate since the Jazz don't allow a player to wear one. I can't remember if Brewer wore one in college, but maybe at the same time it was a harmless miscue.
I know Sloan likes his players to be uniform which was why if one player wanted to wear black shoes on the road, the whole team had to or no one else could. But in the same breath of being unified, what about players that pull their socks up high? Doesn't that also make a player stand out on a personal level?
I'm going to recommend a visit to the proctologist for an emergency stick-ectomy, Mr. Luhm.
Wow Luhm. Just wow.
When you go to the company picnic do you wear the same clothes you wear in the newsroom?
Maybe you didn't notice or haven't been paying attention since the ABA-NBA merger, but the All-Star game is all about showing off and flashing your style. Even professionals in the business world do and wear outrageous things when they go to trade shows, etc, and it isn't considered a sign of disrespect to their employer.
My guess is that Jerry Sloan wouldn't let Carlos Boozer wear gold shoes in a Jazz game either, but why didn't you mention that as a sign of disrespect? You need to understand, All-Star weekend is all about the show.
I don't understand why there needs to be any context to the accessories a player might wear in the game? Why can't a headband just be a headband? Dr. King would be rolling over in his grave to read about young black men in 2008 being judged by the color of their skin and their fashion choices during a fashion show weekend rather than by the content of their character.
In response to Eric:
Brewer did wear headbands regularly while playing at Arkansas. And in response to Steve; Dude, relax.
I know we live in a town that has its own culture but I think you took that a little too far. The Rookie-Sophomore game is just a preview for possibly upcoming stars in the league at best, and a programmer filler at worst to give the ticket buyers more "action" to take in.
But I do not think Brewer meant anything by it, he wore headbands regularly while in College and I think he just wanted to try something different. Besides, he's 23 now I believe.
Now if the headband read "Sloan Sucks" I would think otherwise. Ronnie should not have to apologize or even EXPLAIN his actions. Talk about perpetuating unfair stereotypes, this type of blog does nothing more than convince people outside of this city that we are "different" in a negative manner.
Steve Luhm, have you gone crazy? He was playing on a team of guys who were supposed to be showcasing their individual talents. Second, that team was not the Utah Jazz nor was it being coached by Jerry Sloan or anyone else who has any official capacity working for the Utah Jazz.
Third, get over it. Maybe, just maybe he was pissed at the Jazz and decided to show it by wearing a headband, maybe. But shit, Luhm, that's pure 100% speculation. That you're so bent about said speculation, that you would start demanding in public print that Ronnie Brwer show more respect is just laughable. And furthermore, unprofessional. Get a clue.
P.S. I'm looking forward for your annual "I'm going to rip Rasheed Wallace somehow" column. What a joke. For a guy who actually does good writing sometimes, it's a shame you let your personal biases, quirks and oft unprofessional views infiltrate your work.
Wow! Talk about making something out of completely nothing. Must be a slow news day. Sloan understands the All-Star weekend is for fun. As long as Ronnie brings intensity and hard work to practice, that's all that matters.
Steve-
I play basketball with a headband. I started to use one when I got contacts because the sweat getting in the eyes can really make my eyes a mess. Since wearing a headband, my shot has gotten better and my shirt is dryer at the end of the game. How's that for a testimonial?
If you still don't believe that a headband would help, go to the lunch room and pour a whole ton of salt in a glass of water. Proceed to pour the glass on top of your head and keep your eyes open throughout the experience. For good measure, dribble a basketball down the hallway and throw a bulls eye on a dart board from 25' away while pouring. Then repeat the experiment with a headband and I'm sure that you'll be a believer.
One thing that should be considered is the attitude that Ronnie has brought to this season. The only time he has voiced his displeasure at Sloan is when he was yanked for the newly-acquired Kyle Korver in the fourth. That's a reasonable reason for frustration, but other than that he has been a model-"Yes whatever you say I'll do"- Utah Jazzman. Claiming that a headband shows disrespect is going too far. Because of the attitude he has exhibited, Ronnie's headband would never be interpreted as his having a row with Coach Sloan over the issue.
Also, if you feel this strongly about the headband, where is the column about Carlos Boozer's gold shoes? Even Deron said they were hideous. I think both articles of clothing were just that - articles of clothing and nothing more.
Sorry for the way too long post.
Really, are we going to demonize one of the most improved players for a headband during an exhibition game? Come on, the game itself is a joke! A showcase for new talent, and is not a team game. Both the All-Star games are a joke really. No one can argue that with Kobe being required to play 2 1/2 min to keep up appearances.
So really, are we going to get on a guy, and say he isn't a team player because he wore a headband in a completly selfish WWF style game?
I'm really disappointed in this rediculos entry. I love my Jazz and am one of the fans that thinks Sloan is one of the greatest coaches ever. But Sloan had nothing to do with All-Star weekend at all.
Can we focus on real stories and real basketball instead of trying to float "Drama" to see if the fans agree? Please?
C'mon Steve. You are one of (if not the most) senior NBA writer in this market, and you stoop to this level?
I echo what 7 of the other 8 comments have been, why not say anything about Boozer's shoes? Why not say anything about the fact that Deron had a rubber band on his right wrist during the skills challenge? (Another Jerry no-no.)
I don't think Ronnie needs to address this situation, just like I didn't think that Jerry needed to address the question, until the media (and judging by this latest blog post, I can only assume that it was you Steve) asked him about it after practice on Monday.
The kid wore a headband in college, it's not like he was wearing it just to spite the Jazz.
Take a lesson from pros like Jack McCallum, and Sam Smith, write about basketball. Don't try to make up a story to get a controversy brewing.
I would love to see you cover the Knicks.
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