Lyla Dejesus
While there is no rule against wearing wedding rings in professional sports, it is prohibited in basketball. This rule was adopted by all Rules Codes (NFHS, NCAA Men's/Women's, NBA/WNBA, and FIBA) in the late 1970s or early 1980s. As a result, some NBA players have found creative ways to keep their rings by their side during games, such as tying them into their shoelaces or lacing them into their shoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for not wearing wedding rings | Safety concerns, rules prohibiting jewelry, and personal preference |
| Exceptions | Some NBA players, like Nikola Jokic and Mark Jackson, tie their rings into their shoelaces |
| Rule variations | No prohibition against displaying bridal jewelry on sneakers; some sports allow rings, e.g., NFL and baseball |
| Player preferences | Ben Roethlisberger (NFL) and Gramatica (NFL) wore rings; Andy Dalton (Bengals QB) wears a rubber ring |
| Safety concerns | Rings can fall off and be lost or damaged; pitchers in baseball use diamonds to cut the ball |
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What You'll Learn
NBA jewellery rules
The National Basketball Association's (NBA) dress code was introduced on October 17, 2005, by NBA commissioner David Stern. The dress code was mandatory for all NBA and NBA Development League players. It stated that all players must dress in business or conservative attire while arriving and departing during a scheduled game, on the bench while injured, and when conducting official NBA business (press interviews, charity events, etc.). The first dress code banned fashions most associated with hip-hop culture, including large jewelry, jerseys, jeans, hats, do-rags, T-shirts, sneakers, and hiking boots (specifically, Timberland-type boots).
When Adam Silver became commissioner of the NBA in 2014, the dress code became more lenient, allowing players to be more expressive with what they wear. However, there are still some restrictions on jewelry. For example, players are not allowed to wear earrings or nose rings during games as it is dangerous. There have been sightings of players with piercings and earrings during games, which has prompted discussions on whether the NBA has changed its jewelry/accessories rules.
Some NBA players have found creative ways to include their wedding bands during games. Mark Jackson, for instance, used to tie his ring into the laces of his left sneaker. He did this throughout his career, from practice to games. Jackson has seen a few other NBA and college players do the same, including former Siena player Tommy Mitchell and former NBA player Kenny Smith.
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Mark Jackson's wedding ring laces
While it is uncommon for NBA players to wear their wedding rings during games, Mark Jackson, a former NBA player, was known for wearing his wedding band on the court—but not on his finger. Instead, Jackson would tie his ring into the laces of his left sneaker. Jackson began this practice during summer-league games in New York, where there was no place for players to lock up valuables. He continued this habit throughout his career, even when playing in the NBA, where jewelry and money are typically secured in locker rooms.
Jackson viewed this practice as a way of showing appreciation for his wife, Desiree Coleman, whom he married in 1990. He stated that it was also a way of expressing gratitude for how blessed he was to have her in his life. Jackson's unique way of wearing his wedding ring even inspired other NBA and college players, such as Tommy Mitchell and Kenny Smith, to follow suit. However, Smith stopped doing it after accidentally giving away one of his sneakers to a fan without removing the ring first.
Jackson was a point guard in the NBA for 17 years, playing for teams such as the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets. After retiring from professional basketball, he became a broadcast commentator for ESPN and ABC and worked as an analyst for The YES Network's New Jersey Nets games. Jackson also served as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2014, leading them to consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in over 20 years.
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Tommy Mitchell and Kenny Smith copied Jackson
It is widely believed that the tradition of NBA players not wearing their wedding rings during games originated with Michael Jordan. The story goes that Jordan decided to leave his wedding ring off during games early in his career to avoid injury and distraction. This reasoning makes sense, as a hard hit to the hand could injure the finger on which the ring is worn, and the ring could also interfere with a player's grip on the ball or their shooting motion. Over time, other players followed Jordan's lead, and not wearing a wedding ring during games became the norm in the NBA.
Tommy Mitchell and Kenny Smith, two renowned NBA players, are known for adopting Michael Jordan's practice of not wearing their wedding rings during games. This tradition has sparked curiosity, and many wonder if there is any truth to the story.
Mitchell and Smith were renowned shooting guards in the league, known for their smooth play and exceptional shooting skills. They were also contemporaries of Jordan, competing against him and witnessing his incredible achievements and influence on the court. It is said that they noticed Jordan's choice to forgo his wedding band and decided to follow suit.
There could be several reasons why Mitchell and Smith decided to emulate Jordan's behavior. Firstly, they might have recognized the practical benefits of not wearing a ring during intense physical activity. The absence of a ring reduces the risk of injury to the finger and ensures uninterrupted tactile sensation in the hand, crucial for ball handling and shooting. Additionally, they may have wanted to emulate Jordan's focus and dedication to the game, using this small act as a way to mentally prepare for each match with the same intensity as the legendary player.
Moreover, the decision to remove their wedding rings might have been influenced by superstition. In a highly competitive league like the NBA, players often develop unique rituals and superstitions that they believe bring them luck or enhance their performance. Mitchell and Smith may have viewed Jordan's ringless finger as a symbol of success and victory, and they wanted to replicate that symbolism in their own routines.
By copying Jackson, Mitchell and Smith contributed to establishing a league-wide tradition. Today, it is uncommon to see an NBA player wearing his wedding ring during a game, and this practice has become standard across the league. While the initial reasons may vary, from practicality to superstition, the impact is clear—the wedding ring remains off the court, a testament to the influence of legends like Michael Jordan and the unique culture of the NBA.
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Nikola Jokic's wedding ring laces
Nikola Jokic is a dominating player in the NBA, currently playing for the Denver Nuggets. He is married to his wife, Natalija Macesic, whom he wedded in October 2020, and the couple has a daughter named Ognjena. Jokic spends the offseason in Serbia with his family, and he intends to move his family back to Serbia permanently after his career.
Jokic is known for wearing his wedding ring on his shoe during games, lacing it into his left sneaker. This tradition sets him apart from other players, as he found a way to keep the ring by his side at all times without compromising safety. Jokic adopted this custom from a former teammate in Serbia, and it serves as a heartfelt tribute to his family, keeping them close to him during games.
Jokic's wedding band is a simple platinum or white gold ring with beveled edges. He ties it into the bow of his size 16 Nike basketball shoes as a loving gesture towards his wife and daughter. This practice of attaching a wedding ring to shoelaces has been observed in other NBA and college players as well, such as Mark Jackson, Tommy Mitchell, and Kenny Smith.
The NBA enforces strict rules about wearing jewelry on the court, but it doesn't prohibit the display of wedding rings on sneakers. Jokic's unique way of wearing his wedding ring has brought him luck, as he has won two MVP awards since his marriage and is on the path to an NBA championship with the Nuggets.
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The NBA's Instagram collage of Jokic's ring-embellished sneakers
The NBA has strict rules about wearing jewellery on the court, but bridal jewellery is allowed to be displayed on sneakers. Nikola Jokic, the centre for the Denver Nuggets, ties his wedding band into the laces of his left shoe as a tribute to his wife and daughter. This gesture has been paying dividends for the All-Star, who has helped his team reach the top of the Western Conference standings.
Official NBA Buzz celebrated this romantic gesture by assembling a collage of Jokic's ring-embellished sneakers on its Instagram page. The ring is a simple platinum or white gold wedding band with beveled edges. Jokic has been wearing his ring this way since he got married in October 2020.
Jokic is not the first NBA player to tie his ring into his shoelaces. Mark Jackson, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, did the same during his playing career. Jackson has seen a few other NBA players do this over the years, including former Siena player Tommy Mitchell and former NBAer Kenny Smith.
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Frequently asked questions
NBA players don't wear their wedding rings during games because the wearing of jewelry is prohibited in the NBA.
Yes, wearing a ring during a basketball game may not be safe, as it could get lost or affect the player's performance.
Yes, some NBA players like Nikola Jokic, Mark Jackson, Tommy Mitchell, and Kenny Smith have been known to tie their wedding rings to their shoelaces.
Yes, it is not common to see wedding bands during NHL games as hockey players wear gloves. In baseball, pitchers are also not allowed to wear rings when they are on the mound.
Yes, several prominent soccer players have been known to wear their wedding bands on the pitch, including David Beckham, Roger Milla, and Raul Gonzalez.
