PLAYERS on the NBA's benches used to look like they were on their way to a hip hop concert. They sported backwards baseball caps, big gold necklaces, and dark glasses. No more such scenes. When the new NBA season starts on November 1, fans will be surprised to see a tidier look on the sidelines. The baggy jeans will be gone, as will the sneakers and chunky jewellery. The NBA has finally shown the red light to the hip hop culture that helped sell the league. Last week the league announced a new minimum dress code, to distance itself from sideline gangster chic. The rules outlaw street favourites like bling bling (oversized) gold and silver jewellery, which now mustn't be visible. Jeans must be smart dress jeans. Business casual is the order of the day. And this one's for Allen Iverson. The Philadelphia 76ers guard liked to sit on the bench with an old-style jersey from another team, a matching hat sitting sideways in his head, and chains dangling from his neck. Starting on November, players on the bench will be required to sit with a sport coat on. NBA commissioner David Stern said the move will rebuild the image of the league. This is a league whose players fight on one kind of court — in the stadium — and are often dragged into another — the law courts. A dress code isn't going to change all of that, social experts say. Players dressed nicely in slacks and a turtleneck can still get in as much trouble as before. But at least the move shows the league's willing to act. Not surprisingly, the new rules are receiving mixed reviews around the NBA. Allen Iverson has said he would fight a dress code. Denver Nuggets centre Marcus Camby and Charlotte Bobcats guard Brevin Knight said that players should receive extra money to cover clothing costs. Other players, though, seemed to understand what Stern is trying to do. "If they're trying to change the image of league, that's cool," Suns forward Shawn Marion said. But some players fear that by tidying up, they may lose their core fan base. "We don't really sell to big business," Suns guard Raja Bell said. "We sell to kids and people who are into the NBA hip hop world. They may be marketing to the wrong people with this. Yet, some teams already have their own dress code in place. Portland coach Nate McMillian is known for his strict rules, including bans on headbands and cellphones on the team bus. "It's important that the players understand they have to respect the game," McMillian said. "They have to respect the league and the fans. You must be a professional at all times." Whatever the outcome, beginning November 1, the NBA will have a new look, at least off the court. --------------------------------------- dangle:悬挂 jersey:紧身套衫 headband: 头带 hip hop: 嘻哈 slack: 休闲裤 sneaker: 运动鞋