Banned clothing was not allowed to be worn by players to interviews, games (on and off the bench), charity events, or any other occasion affiliated with the NBA and its developmental league.
[5] With Stern stepping down and Adam Silver becoming commissioner of the NBA in 2014, the dress code became more lenient, allowing players to be more expressive with what they wear.
[3] The dress code was announced as a direct consequence of the Malice at the Palace, as the NBA sought to undo its image problems, which were hurting its business.
[8] Charles Barkley, in a 2005 interview on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, conceded that there were racial overtones with the new dress code, but he generally supported it.
[14] Many NBA and non-NBA sports figures also claimed that it targeted young black males and hip-hop culture.