ESPN The Magazine Special Report Examines NBA's Image Issues

ESPN THE MAGAZINE in its current issue takes an in-depth look at the "apparent disconnect between fan perception of what the game has become (and who's playing) and the reality of what it is (and who they are)." ESPN THE MAGAZINE's Chris Palmer reports a recent poll conducted by the publication found casual NBA fans "suggest significant -- and troubling -- racial stereotyping" -- nearly 50% polled believe "it's a shame what's happening to the league" compared to 38% who feel the same way about MLB and 21% about the NFL, despite various scandals in both leagues. Palmer writes, "Conventional wisdom says NBA stars are rap guys at heart, individuals seeking personal glory and all that goes with it. Football players are system guys, and the system subverts their hood qualities. In addition, the anonymity helmets provide makes it easier to cheer your team's blustery wideout while ignoring what you don't like about him. The NBA player is naked by comparison" (ESPN THE MAGAZINE, 2/25 issue).

Jordan Feels NBA Does Not Have Image Problem

PLAYERS SEE RACE PROBLEM: Several NBAers gave their thoughts on the perception issue. Celtics F Brian Scalabrine: "The misperception of our league is definitely race-driven. Suppose that for a whole year, none of our players got into a fight, no one got arrested, no one got ticketed for speeding. Do you think the public would have a different opinion of the league? I bet not. But I do think public opinion would be completely different if 75% of the players in the NBA were white instead of black." Mavericks G Jerry Stackhouse: "When you think about it, the dress code is really negative. It's basically the league saying, 'We don't want you to be what you grew up being.'" Wizards G Caron Butler: "The league is very concerned with how its players are seen. ... This is a business and you need to project the best possible image" (ESPN THE MAGAZINE, 2/25 issue).

WHERE THEY COME FROM: A study based on '00 U.S. Census data for the hometowns of all active American-born NBA players from the previous five drafts found the average player "doesn't come from the inner city." The typical player hometown is medium-sized, middle-class, diverse and "as educated as the U.S. as a whole." Brookings Institution Demographer William Frey, on the magazine's findings: "The NBA is much more of a suburban population than most would have thought. ... There's a broad spectrum of areas the players come from, and a significant number come from white, middle-class suburbs" (ESPN THE MAGAZINE, 2/25 issue).

Print This Article