Allen Iverson on why he never wore suits to NBA games despite the hefty fines: “I’m going to Fridays, I’m going to the club or something like that”

Allen Iverson is easily one of the NBA’s most popular and identifiable faces, even years after his retirement. He had an inimitable game that spawned a generation of Iverson wannabes.

As great as “The Answer” was on the floor though, his style off the court may have been his iconic contribution to the league. Iverson made braids, tattoos, and hip-hop culture almost synonymous with basketball.

In an interview with Kevin Hart in “Cold as Balls,” the legendary Philadelphia 76ers guard had this to say about his NBA legacy:

“I just think the “F” word before. For these guys to be themselves, to look like they wanna look. The only time that I’ve ever known about wearing suits was go to church or go to a funeral. I never wore suits to the basketball court."

He added:

“After the game, I’m going to Fridays, I’m going to the club or something like that. Where am I going after the game with a suit on? It all came together to be Allen Iverson.”

Allen Iverson was the No. 1 pick of the 1996 NBA Draft, one of the most highly-anticipated rookies to come out of college. He was expected to lead the Philadelphia 76ers back to relevance.

Iverson was spectacular on the floor and just as eye-catching when he was not playing. His braids and tattoos slowly became a trend. “AI” was unquestionably the face of the league’s hip-hop culture.

Iverson was barely 6’1 with a slight build but probably had the biggest heart in the entire league. He is a four-time scoring champ and three-time steals leader. "AI" was also dressed in a way that resonated with so many during that time.

Despite his diminutive stature, he led the 76ers to the 2001 NBA Finals against the mighty Shaq-Kobe Lakers.

Allen Iverson’s influence as the hip-hop king in the NBA ultimately forced the late Commissioner David Stern to issue a dress code in 2005.

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Among those that were prohibited were sleeveless shirts, shorts, t-shirts, jerseys, and sports apparel. Headgear while on the bench during games, media interviews, league events, and other official functions was also outlawed.

Chains, pendants, sunglasses when indoors and headphones outside the locker room were also not allowed.

Allen Iverson’s relationship with David Stern was fractured after the 2005 dress code was implemented

Allen Iverson and David Stern weren't in good terms after the 2005 dress code came out. [photo: Bleacher Report]

Before the start of the 2005-06 season, David Stern introduced the “liberal and easygoing” dress code, which upset many, particularly Allen Iverson. “AI” paid a total of $87,500 during his stint in the NBA for violating Stern’s rules regarding style.

Other players such as Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Paul Pierce, Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Jackson, and others were also docked. Iverson, though, seemed like the biggest target of the new dress code.

“The only reason I felt like why the dress code came in was because once they saw I was wearing what I wanted to wear and I was getting away with it, the other guys were saying, ‘S**t, if he can do it, then I can do it, too.’ Then everybody started doing it and David Stern said, ‘No.' God rest his soul," Iverson said.

Besides violating the new rules, Stern also reprimanded Iverson for his rap songs:

“It wasn’t a great relationship when I did the terrible rap album. When I did that bullsh**t, I had a problem with David Stern.”

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Today, however, Allen Iverson can only recall those times with hilarity and fondness. The basketball world would not have experienced the whole “AI” experience had Iverson not expressed himself back then.