Dennis Rodman shared why he would have never followed the NBA dress code: "David Stern should have done a little more research than just trying to write this amendment"

Dennis Rodman shared why he would have never followed the NBA dress code: “David Stern should have done a little more research than just trying to write this amendment” originally appeared on Basketball Network.

Dennis Rodman was no stranger to controversies and scandals during his heyday in the NBA. The Worm regularly made headlines for his wild parties, torrid affairs, and unconventional fashion choices. Fortunately, he escaped the dress code policy the NBA introduced in 2005.

Rodman was notorious for his eccentric lifestyle, which extended to his wardrobe as well. A prime example was the wedding dress he wore to promote his autobiography in 1996. His outfits ranged from crop tops, tanks, and leopard-print tops to skirts and vibrant-colored pants.

Not to mention his tattoos, nail polish, hair color, and other piercing accessories. The media frenzy surrounding Rodman did not necessarily portray the NBA in a positive light. Commissioner at the time, David Stern, had conveyed his apprehensions to the Bulls veteran.

However, Rodman refused to pay any heed to it, with his NBA stint coming to an end in 2000. Hence, when the late commissioner Stern introduced the dress code policy in 2005, The Worm had nothing to do with it. That said, he did voice his distaste against it.

“I wouldn’t go by that dress code, because I like to come to the game in like a sweatsuit, cause I work out before the game. David Stern should have done a little more research than just trying to write this amendment and say, ‘Okay, great, we’re gonna do this, this, this, this, this is the way we’re gonna do it.’ He should have talked with the owners and the players,” Rodman told Steve Servy of the New York Post in 2008.

What was the dress code policy?

November 19, 2004, will be etched as one of the darkest days in NBA history. It was a regular-season game between the Pacers and Pistons that escalated into a brawl between fans and players. Things turned ugly to the point where police officials had to intervene to further stop things from escalating on the court.

This incident painted the NBA in a terrible light, calling for strict measures. In addition to suspending the involved parties, an image makeover was also called for. Commissioner Stern introduced the dress code policy, showing his tough stance on the situation.

These new guidelines instructed players to dress in business and semi-formal attire. Many felt the new directive targeted hip-hop culture, with the prohibited list of items including jerseys, jeans, hats, T-shirts, durags, flashy accessories, jewelry, and sneakers and boots.

Rodman would have found company in Allen Iverson

When the new dressing guidelines came into force, many viewed it as a personal attack on Allen Iverson, given his popularity and influence around the league. Widely regarded as the cultural icon, he was known for his hip-hop-influenced outfits, accessories, and hairstyles.

Unsurprisingly, Iverson despised the new mandate, addressing it as a restriction on his freedom to express. Thus, had Rodman been in the league then, the Sixers legend would have some solid company, given that Dennis never cared about consequences or following the rules.

Two of the most controversial figures in NBA history, Rodman and Iverson, regularly found themselves on the wrong side of authority. Their rebellious nature and defiance cost them heavy fines and suspensions, yet they managed to wiggle their way into the Hall of Fame thanks to their tremendous impact on the basketball court.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 15, 2025, where it first appeared.

Dennis Rodman shared why he would have never followed the NBA dress code: “David Stern should have done a little more research than just trying to write this amendment”

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