Over the years, the NBA has increasingly focused on what happens both on and off the court to protect its image. When elements, accessories, or even players create chaos and risk damaging the league’s reputation, the response can be firm: an in the NBA.
Jalen Suggs’ Headband Around His Neck
A case that erupted on January 3, 2026involved Jalen Suggs. During a game against the Chicago Bullshe began the matchup wearing his headband around his neckdrawing immediate attention. Normally, Suggs moves it to his head before checking in, but this time he did not. The NBA intervened immediately, ruling that he can no longer wear it around his neck – not even during pregame.
It started as ‘football drip,’ that’s where it comes from. I wear it around my neck and once I feel in the flow of the game, I put it on my head and we get serious.
Jalen Suggs
The Ninja Headbands
Staying on the topic of headbandsthe so-called ninja headbands were also banned. These are tied at the back of the head with long loose straps. They became extremely popular in 2018 with Jimmy Butler, Jarrett Allen, Montrezl Harrell, and Jrue Holidaybut were prohibited for safety reasonsas the straps could hit another player’s eyes or be pulled.
No. 6 and No. 69
The NBA allows numbers from 00 to 99, but there are two exceptions: No. 6 and No. 69. The first case is much simpler than the second. It is not a traditional banbut rather a league-wide retirement following the death of Bill Russellhonoring the Boston Celtics legend. Players who were already wearing it may keep it, but no new player can choose it.
Bill Russell’s unparalleled success on and off the court and his commitment to civil rights deserve to be honored in a unique and historic way. By permanently retiring his No. 6 across all NBA teams, Bill’s extraordinary career will always be recognized.
Adam Silver
As for No. 69it has never officially been worn. In 2000, Dennis Rodman attempted to choose it after signing with the Dallas Mavericks, but then-commissioner David Stern refusedconsidering it harmful to the NBA’s image. Official jerseys were printed and Rodman even displayed one at his introductory press conference, but he never wore it in a game. He ultimately chose No. 70.
APL Concept 1
The APL Concept 1 sneakers were banned by the NBA in 2010. It sounds like science fiction, but the shoes reportedly contained springs that increased vertical leap by about four inches, giving a significant athletic advantage to the player wearing them.
Jewelry, Chains, Tattoos and Brands
For safety reasons, players are prohibited from wearing gold chains, earrings, or rings during games to avoid scratches or entanglement. Accessories featuring unauthorized or overly prominent logos are also banned – for example, Kelly Oubre Jr.who once took the court wearing a Supreme-branded shooting sleeve.
There were also specific cases involving J.R. Smith and Lonzo Ball. Smith was required to cover his “Supreme” logo tattoo on his calf with tape or a bandage to avoid fines each game. Ball, meanwhile, was forced to cover a tattoo of his family brand, “Big Baller Brand”on his arm.
Betting and Game Manipulation
The most sacred prohibition in the league concerns betting. Any NBA-affiliated individual is forbidden from betting on NBA games, placing bets through friends or family, or sharing confidential information about minutes, rest, or injuries.
For playersit is also strictly forbidden to bet on themselves or intentionally alter their performance. The amount wagered, whether the bet wins or loses, or whether the outcome of the game was directly affected does not matter. Beyond betting, game manipulation is also prohibited – intentionally playing poorly, faking strategic injuries, or influencing results or statistics.
No to Weapons
The NBA states that weapons have no place in the league’s ideology, as they pose a safety risk and damage its global image. It does not matter whether the weapon is legally registered or unused. The turning point came with Gilbert Arenaswho during the 2009-10 season had a dispute with a teammate and brought four firearms into the locker room.
O.J. Mayo, Tyreke Evans and Jontay Porter: The Banned Players
Three players have been officially banned by the NBA.
OJ Mayoin 2016, was suspended for two years for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug program. He was punished under the “Drugs of Abuse” category, which includes substances such as cocaine, opioids, or amphetamines. After the two-year ban, he was unable to return to the league.
A very similar case involved Tyreke Evans. In 2019the NBA announced that he had been dismissed and suspended for two years after testing positive under the “Drugs of Abuse” category. Unlike Mayo, Evans attempted a comeback in 2022, but despite workouts with several teams, he was unable to regain form and physical issues persisted.
A very different case is that of Jontay Porter. In 2024the NBA issued him a lifetime ban – meaning, unlike the other two, he cannot attempt a return. Porter had coordinated with bettors to leave games early, faking injuries or illness to ensure bets would win.
The incident that triggered the investigation occurred when he exited a game against the Kings after just three minutes. It was later discovered that a betting account had placed an $80,000 wager on Porter not scoring.
What is clear is that the NBA does not take these matters lightly. The league aims to eliminate anything that could damage its image – whether through fines or, in the most severe cases, outright bans.
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