In the 1990s, Dennis Rodman and Allen Iverson left a lasting impression on in-game fashion/attire and the way in which NBA players presented themselves. The rebellious aura of the two NBA Hall of Famers was spearheaded by their expressiveness, attitude, and trailblazing body ink. When Rodman and Iverson exchanged their clean-cut appearance for arm sleeves full of tattoos and hairstyles that many viewed as too unconventional for a workplace at the time (bleach blond hair and cornrows), they influenced generations of basketball players and casual fans, on and off the court. Today, basketball players like LeMelo Ball, Jordan Clarkson, and Kelly Oubre Jr. can step on the court, rocking expressive hairdos while covered in tattoos, and it is universally accepted. Unless, of course, the players happen to be children around the age of nine.
Footage from a youth basketball game at a tournament called "Ballin at the Beach 2023" has been trending this week because a few of the talented young hoopers on the court were 4th graders who were noticeably covered with "sleeve tattoos." The games took place in the state of Florida, where kids are not allowed to get tattooed legally until they turn 16 years old. Hence, the footage has ignited debates about the validity of the ink, parenting, the responsibilities of NBA players, and letting the kids have fun.
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Source: Instagram
