Haircuts for some players?

[GrnBay007]

A hairy issue

In what could be a boon for barbershops, the NFL’s competition committee is considering a rule that would ban players from having their hair cover or obscure the names on the back of player’s jersey.

The Kansas City Chiefs proposed the rule that is expected to be debated, and voted on, at the league’s annual meeting later this month in Palm Beach, Fla.

It already generated discussion during a week’s worth of competition committee meetings in Naples, Fla., earlier this month.

Should it pass, it instantly would generate public debate and force players such as Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu and Jacksonville cornerback Rashean Mathis to get a haircut.

The Chiefs view longer hair as a uniform violation. But others could interpret it as a safety violation. When Kansas City played Pittsburgh in October 2006, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson pulled down Polamalu from behind grabbing ahold of his hair.

There apparently has been no empirical data that supports that longer hair is a safety issue, but it is an issue with at least one team. And it will generate discussion and debate.

It is hardly something that has the NFL pulling out its hair. But it is something that soon could have players trimming theirs.

[oregonpackfan]

I can understand the league's rationale for this. Al Harris is also one player who you cannot read his name for his dredlocks.

As a player, I would not want long hair outside my helmet for fear it might get inadvertently(or intentionally) pulled by another player. Also, long hair might get entangled in equipment, etc.

I am sure some players with long hair will cite First Amendment rights, etc.

[BallHawk]

There'd have to be exceptions.

Bigby has long hair because that is a Rastafarian belief, that hair gives you strength. They can't override somebodies religion with a new rule.

[BallHawk]

I didn't know the competition committee was in Naples.

Damn, I should of gone and protested in support of Al and Atari.

[Partial]

There'd have to be exceptions.

Bigby has long hair because that is a Rastafarian belief, that hair gives you strength. They can't override somebodies religion with a new rule.

Tell that to the Yankees.

[BallHawk]

There'd have to be exceptions.

Bigby has long hair because that is a Rastafarian belief, that hair gives you strength. They can't override somebodies religion with a new rule.

Tell that to the Yankees.

Can't think of any Rastafarians on the Yankees......

[Partial]

There'd have to be exceptions.

Bigby has long hair because that is a Rastafarian belief, that hair gives you strength. They can't override somebodies religion with a new rule.

Tell that to the Yankees.

Can't think of any Rastafarians on the Yankees......

They don't let anyone have facial hair or hair hanging out of a hat.

The rule exists, but I don't think they have anyone to question it. Personally, I think it'd be interesting if they had a muslim player with a beard.

[Lurker64]

I'd guess that if that rule passed, Bigby would leave the NFL. I hope it does not. Bigby already passed up an opportunity to play at a major college program (Miami during their heydey as I believe) because they would have made him cut his hair.

[Rastak]

There'd have to be exceptions.

Bigby has long hair because that is a Rastafarian belief, that hair gives you strength. They can't override somebodies religion with a new rule.

Unless he also gets a free pass on the weed of wisdom I'd say that's not right.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

I'd guess that if that rule passed, Bigby would leave the NFL. I hope it does not. Bigby already passed up an opportunity to play at a major college program (Miami during their heydey as I believe) because they would have made him cut his hair.

any source on this?

[packers11]

I'd guess that if that rule passed, Bigby would leave the NFL. I hope it does not. Bigby already passed up an opportunity to play at a major college program (Miami during their heydey as I believe) because they would have made him cut his hair.

any source on this?

Yea, go search JSO archives... It had a big article on were Bigby came from and how he didn't go to "THE U" because they made freshmen shave their heads (on the football team)...

[GrnBay007]

I can understand the point that the name/number should not be obstructed. I can't understand how the guys would want to take a chance on some player yanking them down by the hair.....dang, that would hurt!!

[Harlan Huckleby]

I can understand the league's rationale for this. Al Harris is also one player who you cannot read his name for his dredlocks.

As a player, I would not want long hair outside my helmet for fear it might get inadvertently(or intentionally) pulled by another player. Also, long hair might get entangled in equipment, etc.

I am sure some players with long hair will cite First Amendment rights, etc.

Oh come on. How much of a problem is it identifying players with long hair!? They stick out like sore thumbs. When's the last time anybody squinted and asked, "Is that Al Harris?"

i would say this is unnecessary comformity, a pointless desire to control others.

The No Fun League rears its head again.

[MJZiggy]

I agree with Harlan here. I don't think it's a true "safety" issue to get your hair pulled. It's the risk you run by keeping it long. If they're worried about seeing the number, mandate a pony tail on gameday, but yes, Atari would likely retire before cutting his hair.

[Lurker64]

any source on this?

Here you go.