NBA Objected Jay-Z’s BK Nets Colors? “They Thought African American Athletes Did Not Look Good On TV In Black”

Written By S. Samuel

The Brooklyn Nets' new-look black and white jerseys were reportedly disliked by the NBA due to the perception of African Americans wearing them as their attire on televised broadcasts.

Jay-Z
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According to a new report, the National Basketball Association intially objected to the look.

[Jay-Z] helped design the team logos and choose the team’s stark black-and-white color scheme, and personally appealed to National Basketball Association officials to drop their objections to it (the N.B.A., according to a person with knowledge of the discussion, thought that African-American athletes did not look good on TV in black, an assertion that a league spokesman adamantly denied). He counseled arena executives on what kind of music to play during games. (“Less Jersey,” he urged, pushing niche artists like Santigold over old favorites like Bon Jovi.) He even coached them on how to screen patrons for weapons without appearing too heavy-handed. (“Be mindful,” he advised oracularly, “and be sensitive.”) (New York Times)

The same report also claimed Jay only shares one-fifteenth of one percent ownership in the team.

Yesterday, The New York Times published an article highlighting all the things that Jay-Z has done to build the Brooklyn Nets brand after purchasing a minority stake in the franchise. Since Hov put down $1 million for the team nine years ago, the Nets have gone through a lot of downs, very few ups and a great amount of change. Still, Jay and his one-fifteenth of one percent ownership of the team (yeah, you read that correctly), have played an important role in nearly every facet of the Nets evolution from New Jersey to Brooklyn. Overall, the article is informative and interesting but there is one little tidbit of information that seemingly goes unnoticed. (Complex)

Young Hov recently discussed the motivation behind the new jersey colors.

With this new Nets move, Jay-Z and Nets brass looked to the past in order to ensure the team’s place in the future. Vintage New York transit system signage served as their chief inspiration. “It was really a take off the old subway signs, if you look at the old subway signs they were in black and white. It was that strong, beautiful, iconic black and white,” Jay said. “I wanted to pick something that would stand the test of time and be here forever.” (MTV)

Prior to this fall’s tip-off, Jay has planned a series of Barclays Center concerts set to start in late September.

The 40/40 Club will open its new location at the Barclays Center, the new sports and entertainment venue and home to the Brooklyn Nets. The $1 billion arena will house the 9,000 square-foot restaurant slated to debut on the arena’s opening night when Jay-Z performs in concert on September 28, 2012. “There is no better home for another 40/40 Club location than the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn,” stated Jay-Z. “The 40/40 Club has revolutionized restaurants in a way I anticipate Barclays Center to transform the arena watching experience.” (Inside Hoops)

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Written by S. Samuel

Steven Samuel is the co-founder of SOHH.com.

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