JR Smith of the Cleveland Cavaliers could face discipline if he does not have his latest tattoo covered up for games in the 2018-19 season, ESPN reported Sunday.
The veteran guard recently posted an image on Instagram of his latest ink, the logo of New York-based streetwear company Supreme tattooed on the back of his right calf, but followed up with a post that he may be fined for not covering the artwork up.
"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!!," Smith wrote. "These people in the league office are something else!"
League spokesman Mike Bass explained the ruling to ESPN, noting that NBA regulations "prohibit players from displaying any commercial logos or corporate insignia on their body or in their hair."
Similar action was threatened in 2013 to Iman Shumpert, who was ordered to remove the Adidas logo shaved in his hair, which he also drew attention to via his Instagram account.
In 2001 the NBA also prohibited former Portland Trail Blazers' Rasheed Wallace from wearing a temporary tattoo during games promoting a candy bar company, ESPN noted.
According to Sports Illustrated, the restrictions fall within bargaining agreements such as one signed by the NBA and Smith's union, the National Basketball Players' Association.
This stipulates that players "may not, during any NBA game, display any commercial, promotional, or charitable name, mark, logo or other identification, including but not limited to on his body, in his hair, or otherwise."
In recent months, the NBA has loosened its grip on dress code, as was demonstrated when the league announced plans to lift its shoe color restrictions for the first time in 70 years to allow players to freely express themselves on the court.
However, restrictions to govern third-party logos, which require preapproval by the league, remained.
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