INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Indiana guard Stephen Jackson believes the NBA’s new ban on bling-bling is racially motivated, but says he will abide by the rules.

The NBA has announced that a dress code will go into effect at the start of the season. Players will be required to wear business-casual attire when involved in team or league business. They can’t wear visible chains, pendants or medallions over their clothes.

Jackson, who is black, said the NBA’s new rule about jewelry targets young black males because chains are associated with hip-hop culture, and he said the league is afraid of becoming “too hip-hop.” In protest, he wore four chains to the Pacers’ exhibition game against San Antonio on Tuesday night.

Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce agreed that the new rule targeted young, black players.

“When I saw the part about chains, hip hop and throwback jerseys, I think that’s part of our culture,” Pierce said. “The NBA is young black males.”

Jackson defended his actions on Wednesday, but said he won’t allow his feelings to cause a distraction once the regular season starts.

“They don’t want your chains to be out, all gaudy and shiny. But that’s the point of them,” he said.

Pierce, who said the matter should have been brought to the players’ association for a vote, said there are times he may not follow the rule.

“I dress how I feel anyway,” he said. “I think I’m just going to continue to dress how I feel. I think there’s some days I may take a fine.”

Jackson first made his displeasure with the new rule a public matter on Tuesday. He said he hasn’t heard from the league office, and doesn’t expect to.

“I still have freedom of speech, don’t I?” he said. “I didn’t disrespect anybody by saying it, so I can say what I want to say.”

AP-ES-10-19-05 1928EDT

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