NFL considering rule involving length of hair

[StL FinFan]

Why is this even an issue?  A rule prohibiting a player's hair from covering  their nameplate on their jersey.  Don't they have more important things to do?  Is it just me or do they have their numbers printed very large on the front and back of their jerseys?

Opinions?

[Brian Fein]

Players could just move the nameplate to the bottom of the jersey.

I think its just to prevent guys like Troy Polamalu and Al Harris from getting tackled by their hair, rather than player identification purposes.

[Dave Gray]

I'm fine with players having long hair, so as their hair is considering part of the uniform.  You should be able to be grabbed by the hair, for example.

I don't think a rule is needed.

[bsfins]

Players could just move the nameplate to the bottom of the jersey.

I think its just to prevent guys like Troy Polamalu and Al Harris from getting tackled by their hair, rather than player identification purposes.

I don't care either way...But I had to say how odd you mentioning guy's being tackled by their hair...and the guy's you mentioned are both defensive players.....

I think this has to do with control,and image...The NFL has enough image issues with players being arrested...Unfortunately...Lo ng hair tends to equal Bad image even unprofessinal......As someone who has had long hair...I sort of understand....

Let's also remember the NBA required players to come to the Arena wearing Suits....The NFL pretty much already does that....

I feel this just happened to fall under the same umbrella.....

[StL FinFan]

^ What about the Samoan guys where it is part of their culture? 

Also, since you mentioned coaches, the coaching staff doesn't often look professional.  If they are going for professionalism, they need to address the way everyone looks, not just the players.

I can see the player's union having a field day with this.

[bsfins]

^ they're screwed....

Most places have appearance (clauses?) Guidelines ? to work there...I was asked to shave my Beard when I started here at my job...I fought just to keep my goatee....

Alot of places I've worked wouldn't allow me to have Long hair back when I had mine....

I have a hard time Believing that the NFLPA has a leg to stand on...Let's remember we're talking about a league that fines players $1000 if their socks aren't pulled up,$100 for not having their Jersey tucked in....

[Dave Gray]

I don't think that long hair means what it once did.  This isn't the 60s.  Party boats, drugs, dogfighting, etc -- those things affect your image.  A long haired guy doesn't.

I don't think twice when I see a guy with long dreads or braids anymore.

[Defense54]

I don't think they CAN make them cut their hair. This isn't the Army . Personally I don't See how any kind of Pro athlete would want it........But No way they can impose that on players. Whats the purpose?

[Brian Fein]

Please note, they're not saying you have to cut it, but it can't cover your nameplate.  It can be tucked into your helmet, or the back of the jersey just as easily.

[pintofguinness14]

The white people with the money find long dreads threatening, or so the thinking goes...