It's called fashion, cover it up. That's what the NBA is telling Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard JR Smith, sharing a statement that they are planning to fine the player for his tattoo of the Supreme logo.
According to The Athletic reporter Shams Charania, the league intends to fine the NBA veteran and shoe store entrepreneur for violating their policy regarding corporate insignias.
"NBA rules prohibit players from displaying any commercial logos or corporate insignia on their body or in their hair," Charania quoted a representative as saying on Twitter.
Smith broke the story that the NBA was considering fining him over the tattoo in a post to his Instagram.
"So I was informed today that I would be fined every game if I don't cover up my 'SUPREME TATTOO' on my legs during games!!" he wrote. "These people in the league office are something else!"
Smith was a model for a Supreme x Nike collaboration in 2017 and he's shared his love of the brand before.
"It's a streetwear brand," he said in an episode of Sneaker Shopping. "It represents the streets. It represents that gritty, weird ... personality. And that's what I represent as a person."
"It was a lot behind it," he said, explaining the initial disbelief at the story that he tattooed the streetwear brand's name on his leg. "A lot of people were like 'Are they paying you for it?'"
Smith explained that he felt a personal connection with the brand.
"That's who I am," he said. "That's why I am who I am."
