Racial and Cultural Issues
Many have criticized the NBA for embracing the "hip hop culture". While some observers have argued that this criticism has more to do with race than hip hop itself, it is a fact that the league is very much connected to the hip hop culture. Rappers Nelly and Jay-Z have ownership stakes in NBA teams (the Charlotte Bobcats and Brooklyn Nets respectively), and many artists have worn NBA throwback jerseys in music videos. In turn, the NBA plays rap and hip hop in arenas during games. NBA video games NBA 2K and NBA Live use hip hop in their soundtrack, and ABC–ESPN uses the music during its coverage. Players in the NBA have tried rap or hip hop themselves (Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Tony Parker, Allen Iverson, Chris Webber, and Metta World Peace are some examples) and several also dress and act in ways that are in accordance with the hip hop culture (for example, the tattoos and jewelry worn by several players).
See also: National Basketball Association musicSince 1998, the NBA's television ratings have dropped considerably (some also attribute this is to Michael Jordan's retirement and the decline of the Chicago Bulls), and criticism of the league has mounted to the point where some columnists have freely referred to players in the league as "thugs" in columns and referred to the league as "violent".
Some have argued that the criticism of the NBA is hypocritical, considering the relative lack of criticism of Major League Baseball, National Hockey League or National Football League players. Some have also noticed that music genres and sports partnerships are not limited to the NBA, with the alternative rock genre being associated with the NHL, and country music being associated with NASCAR.
While some columnists believe that the criticism of the league is based largely in racial and generational stereotypes and biases, others believe that the NBA put itself in such a position by not distancing itself from the darker aspects of hip hop culture.
Read more about this topic: National Basketball Association Controversies
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