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For the first time in nearly five decades, New York Yankees players will be allowed to have beards. On Friday,Yankees chairman Hal Steinbrenner said he is amending the team’s antiquated facial hair policy and will allow “well-groomed beards” moving forward. Under the old policy, no hair below the lip was allowed. Mustaches were OK, beards were not. Now they are.

“Outdated and somewhat unreasonable,” Steinbrenner called the policy on Friday. “… This generation, the vast majority of 20s, 30s, into the 40s men of this country have beards. The Vice President has a beard, members of Congress have beards, the list goes on and on in this country and in this world. It is part of who these younger men are. Part of their character. Part of the persona. Do I totally relate to that? It’s difficult for me. I’m an older guy who’s never had a beard in his life, but it’s a very important thing to them.”

The facial hair policy was put in place by the late George Steinbrenner, Hal’s father, in 1976. Steinbrenner’s military background has frequently been cited as the reason behind it, though it wasn’t a secret the policy was put in place to prevent Yankees’ players and coaches from wearing their hair in the style of the era. That meant no long hair, no afros, no think beards or big mustaches.

Countless players have had to shave upon joining the Yankees since 1976. Some made the decision themselves and joined the Yankees on lucrative free agent contracts. Others joined the team against their will because they were traded to the Yankees or drafted by the Yankees. (The facial hair policy extended all the way down the minors.) All had to shave to adhere to the policy.

With that in mind, here are 10 players who were famously impacted by the Yankees’ hair policy over the last five decades.

1. Oscar Gamble
   Perhaps the first “victim” of the facial hair policy, Gamble did not have a uniform in his locker when he reported to spring training in 1976, his first season with the Yankees. He was told he would not be issued a uniform until his trimmed his trademark afro.

“I got there in spring training, I didn’t have a uniform,” Gamble told the Dayton Beach News-Journal in 2016. “[Manager Billy Martin] told me I had to get a haircut before I get a uniform.”

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Gamble’s afro wasn’t quite the same in New York. Getty Images
Gamble had an endorsement deal lined up with Afro Sheen, a hair care product, but Steinbrenner reimbursed him for dropping the endorsement to comply with the team’s facial hair policy.

“George said, whatever they were gonna pay you, I’ll pay you. So I got it cut,” Gamble told the Dayton Beach News-Journal. “And I never grew it back. It was just a ’70s thing, that’s all it was.”

2. Thurman Munson
   The Yankees named Munson their first captain since Lou Gehrig in 1976. The beloved homegrown catcher was named AL Rookie of the Year in 1970 and he would go on to win AL MVP in 1976. That year, he sported a full beard on his Hostess baseball card:

Steinbrenner put the facial hair policy in place soon thereafter, and that was that. Munson shaved his beard and instead wore a thick mustache the rest of his career.

3. Goose Gossage
   The Hall of Fame closer is one of the most notable to rebel against the Yankees’ no beard policy. In 1983, he grew a Fu Machu style mustache that extended just below the lip, and pushed the envelope of the facial hair policy. “I actually grew it to piss Steinbrenner off,” Gossage told TMZ in 2014.

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The Goose nickname stuck. The clean-shaven look did not. Getty Images

Beards are no longer banned in the Bronx. The New York Yankees announced Friday morning that they are altering their longstanding facial hair policy. Players and uniformed personnel will now be allowed to have “well-groomed beards,” team chairman Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement. The Yankees previously had an infamous policy that mandated players could have mustaches but no other facial hair. That policy was put in place by former owner George Steinbrenner, Hal’s father, in the 1970s.

Here’s Hal Steinbrenner’s statement on the change:

“In recent weeks I have spoken to a large number of former and current Yankees — spanning several eras — to elicit their perspectives on our longstanding facial hair and grooming policy, and I appreciate their earnest and varied feedback. These most recent conversations are an extension of ongoing internal dialogue that dates back several years. Ultimately the final decision rests with me, and after great consideration, we will be amending our expectations to allow our players and uniformed personnel to have well-groomed beards moving forward. It is the appropriate time to move beyond the familiar comfort of our former policy.”

“Outdated and somewhat unreasonable,” Steinbrenner added at a press conference on Friday. “… This generation, the vast majority of 20s, 30s, into the 40s men of this country have beards. The Vice President has a beard, members of Congress have beards, the list goes on and on in this country and in this world. It is part of who these younger men are. Part of their character. Part of the persona. Do I totally relate to that? It’s difficult for me. I’m an older guy who’s never had a beard in his life, but it’s a very important thing to them.”

The Yankees’ appearance policy also states that players cannot have hair that goes past their collars. That part of the policy appears to be unchanged.

Several former Yankees players, including Andrew McCutchen and Cameron Maybin, have spoken out against the team’s old facial hair policy. Active players on the team have privately griped as well. Back in 2013, the Yankees were informed former San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson would not sign with them because he wouldn’t shave his beard.

History of Yankees’ no-beard policy: George Steinbrenner’s facial hair rules changed after nearly 50 years
Mike Axisa
History of Yankees’ no-beard policy: George Steinbrenner’s facial hair rules changed after nearly 50 years
No player has ever refused to shave and outright challenged the old facial hair policy, though several pushed the envelope and played with 5 o’clock shadows. New Hall of Famer CC Sabathia did that frequently during his time in pinstripes. In 1995, the Yankees waived the facial hair policy in part to accommodate rental ace Jack McDowell’s goatee.

10 Yankees players who were most impacted by team’s facial hair policy: Johnny Damon, Randy Johnson, more
Mike Axisa
10 Yankees players who were most impacted by team’s facial hair policy: Johnny Damon, Randy Johnson, more
George Steinbrenner bought the team in 1973 and implemented the facial hair policy in 1976, which was strongly influenced by his military background. Steinbrenner passed away in 2010 and the no-beard policy remained until Friday. Players such as Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon, and Gerrit Cole all shaved their beards and trimmed their hair to join the Yankees.

The Yankees went 94-68 and won the AL pennant in 2024. They will play their first spring training game Friday.

The days of beardless New York Yankees are over. Friday morning chairman Hal Steinbrenner announced he is altering the team’s longstanding facial hair policy that was instituted by his father. The Yankees will allow “well-groomed beards” moving forward. Previously, Yankees players were not allowed to wear hair below the lips. Mustaches were OK. Beards were not. Now, they are.

Here is Steinbrenner’s statement on the team’s new facial hair policy:

“In recent weeks I have spoken to a large number of former and current Yankees — spanning several eras — to elicit their perspectives on our longstanding facial hair and grooming policy, and I appreciate their earnest and varied feedback. These most recent conversations are an extension of ongoing internal dialogue that dates back several years. Ultimately the final decision rests with me, and after great consideration, we will be amending our expectations to allow our players and uniformed personnel to have well-groomed beards moving forward. It is the appropriate time to move beyond the familiar comfort of our former policy.”

The winds had begun to blow in the direction of eliminating the facial hair policy in recent years. Hal Steinbrenner suggested he would consider changing it several times, and former players have spoken out against it. Privately, current players gripe about it. Nearly five decades after the policy was put in place, it is now being changed.

The beard ban was officially implemented by the late George Steinbrenner in 1976, though the seeds were first planted when he purchased the team from CBS in 1973. Popular Yankees like Sparky Lyle and Thurman Munson wore beards when Steinbrenner purchased the team. Munson had a full beard on his 1976 Hostess card. He won AL MVP later that year.

The facial hair policy was put in place soon after Munson was photographed for that year’s card. The policy is said to have been strongly influenced by Steinbrenner’s military background, though it was also no secret he did not want his players to wear their hair in the style of the era. The policy was put in place to eliminate long hair, afros, etc.

“I have nothing against long hair, per se, but I’m trying to instill a certain sense of order and discipline in the ballclub, because I think discipline is important in an athlete,” Steinbrenner told The New York Times in 1978. “The players can joke about it, as long as they do it. If they don’t do it, we’ll try to find a way to accommodate them somewhere else. I want to develop pride in the players as Yankees. If we can get them to feel that way and think that way, fine. If they can’t, we’ll get rid of them.”

10 Yankees players who were most impacted by team’s facial hair policy: Johnny Damon, Randy Johnson, more
Mike Axisa
10 Yankees players who were most impacted by team’s facial hair policy: Johnny Damon, Randy Johnson, more
Although players complained both publicly and privately, the facial hair policy was largely abided by during its existence. Typically the players themselves policed the policy, with team captains like Derek Jeter and Aaron Judge leading by example more than vocally. On occasion, the manager would get involved, typically when a new player was brought in.

In 1995, the Yankees altered their facial hair policy after trading for the 1993 AL Cy Young winner Jack McDowell. McDowell, Don Mattingly, and others grew goatees and beards. The Yankees started that season 15-24, then beards and goatees were banned and the facial hair policy was reinstalled. They went 64-41 the rest of the way and made the postseason.

“It’s like a slap on the wrist,” Mattingly told the New York Times after the policy was reverted back. “They shouldn’t have changed it in the first place if they were going to take it away.”

Over the years players like Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon, and Gerrit Cole shaved their beards and cut their hair to join the Yankees on lucrative free agent contracts. Others were traded to the Yankees and forced to shave because of a decision they did not make. That includes new closer Devin Williams, who had a beard throughout his time with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Players largely do not like the policy, though they abided by it. In recent years, Hall of Famer CC Sabathia pushed the envelope more than any other player, frequently pitching with a 5 o’clock shadow. No player ever challenged the policy and outright refused to shave, however. The penalty for doing so (benching? fine?) is unknown.

“I’ve told myself since I got drafted that it was a privilege to have to shave. I’ve brainwashed myself into believing that and thinking that,” Yankees catcher Austin Wells, who wears a beard during the offseason and a mustache during the season, told MLB.com and the New York Daily News on Friday. “It’s always been a conversation (among players), but I don’t think it was ever like, ‘It might happen.'”

The facial hair policy dated back to 1976. It was antiquated, had been for quite some time, and now George’s son Hal has decided to amend it. It’s not gone completely, beards must be well-groomed (most are around the league), and the team still seemingly will not allow players to have hair longer than their collar. But the team’s outdated facial hair policy has been relaxed.

Jones has seen his role on the Spurs crumble thanks to the additions of Chris Paul and Stephon Castle.

He’d be a perfect buy-low candidate because he has low trade value and his contract is inexpensive. He’s owed $9.1 million this season, which is how the following trade could happen between the Sixers and Spurs. Last season, he averaged 10 points and 6.2 assists while shooting 50.5%. In a new situation, he could put up those numbers again.

That’s how the following trade could happen.

Sixers receive: Jones

Spurs receive: KJ Martin, Eric Gordon

The best part is, with Jones’ low trade value, the Sixers wouldn’t have to give up any draft assets. They may try to acquire someone like him without giving up Martin’s golden goose contract, but it might be worth it since there’s no current timetable for McCain’s return.

The Sixers need him for more reasons than McCain’s absence
Jones would fit right in because the Sixers’ backcourt depth is weak. Outside of McCain, none of the Sixers’ backup guards have worked out the way they would have liked.

As it turns out, Father Time has gotten to Kyle Lowry (38), Gordon (35), and Reggie Jackson (34). If they were the players they once were, then it wouldn’t be a problem. Unfortunately, they are not.

The best is yet to come from Jones, and he would make the Sixers younger. As far

“It’s viewed as a foregone conclusion in league circles that Las Vegas and Seattle will eventually become the next two NBA franchises via expansion,” Sidery posted to X.

“16 teams in each conference as one current franchise in the Western Conference would be moved to the Eastern Conference.”

Many X users speculated beneath Sidery’s post that the Memphis Grizzlies would be the Western Conference team to move to the Eastern Conference, while other users called for an abolishment of the conference system altogether.

News of Seattle hosting an NBA team again is not necessarily new information (it’s been rumored for over a decade), but Sidery’s report is sure to inspire happiness in plenty of Seattle basketball fans who miss rooting for the Seattle SuperSonics.

The SuperSonics existed between 1970 and 2008 before relocating to Oklahoma City and evolving into the OKC Thunder.

It’s not clear whether a new franchise in Seattle would revive the SuperSonics name, but it would be surprising to the average NBA fan if that didn’t happen.

But that doesn’t mean LA is done making moves to improve its offense, especially with the playoffs well within reach for Ty Lue’s ball club.

Indeed, the Clippers figure to be buyers before the February 6 trade deadline, and a new report from Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz on Monday suggested that LA could look to acquire a Washington Wizards wing who began his career in 2017 as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

“Even if Kawhi Leonard can make a relatively quick return to the court, the Los Angeles Clippers could use another offensive boost to a roster that ranks just 23rd overall in the NBA right now,” Swartz said.

“Kyle Kuzma, 29, should be revived with a return to Los Angeles, giving the Clippers a multi-dimensional scorer and gifted passer to play alongside Leonard, James Harden, Norm Powell and Ivica Zubac.”

Many people forget that Kuzma finished No. 4 in Rookie of the Year voting as a Laker in 2017-18. While his career hasn’t followed the arc of a superstar since then, he’s always remained a reliable bucket, and he’d be a pivotal addition to the Clippers if they could pull off a deal.

The NBA Cup (formerly In-Season Tournament) is in its second year and is quickly becoming a tentpole event on the NBA schedule. And while it is a major part of the schedule, fans and players are still learning how it impacts the NBA calendar.

For the second straight year, NBA teams enter the season with 80 games on their schedule while Games 81 and 82 are determined by performance during NBA Cup games. The two teams that advance to the NBA Cup championship effectively play an 83rd regular-season game, though it does not count as such.

What does the NBA Cup championship count as? Here is what the season’s final NBA Cup game will mean for the Bucks and Thunder.

SN’s NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule

NBA Cup standings, explained
Milwaukee and Oklahoma City took similar paths to the NBA Cup championship. Both teams won their respective groups to advance to the Knockout Round of the NBA Cup.

The Bucks’ 81st game of the season was their win over the Magic in the Quarterfinals and their Semifinal win over the Hawks was their 82nd game of the season. For the Thunder, Game 81 came in the Quarterfinals against the Mavericks and Game 82 was against the Rockets in the Semifinals.

When Milwaukee and Oklahoma City face off Tuesday in Las Vegas, it will be an extra game on their respective schedules. The NBA Cup championship will not count to either team’s regular-season record and stats accumulated in the game will not count to players’ regular-season averages.

The NBA Cup championship will be a one-off with stats falling in their own category.

MORE: Revisiting Anthony Davis’ epic performance in the 2023 NBA Cup championship

What happens to stats from the NBA Cup championship?
Stats from the NBA Cup championship do not tabulate toward regular-season or NBA Playoffs stats but stand alone as stats compiled in the championship game.

This will be similar to stats from the NBA’s Play-In Tournament, which also fall in a separate category.

NBA Cup championship statistics will take longer to build out because it is only one game annually, while there are a total of six Play-In Tournament games each season.

After the Thunder punched their ticket to the 2024 NBA Cup championship, rising star Jalen Williams could be heard exclaiming, “Just give me my money!” at the end of teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s postgame interview.

On Tuesday, Oklahoma City and Milwaukee will meet for the second-ever NBA Cup (formerly In-Season Tournament) title. In addition to the NBA Cup trophy, each winning team member will receive the grand monetary prize that comes with being a Cup champion.

Al Horford on how developing his 3-PT game ‘added years’ to his career

For a second year, the NBA Cup has brought an added intensity to early-season NBA games. In addition to the fanfare, bright courts and added attention, players were incentivized by the bonuses they would receive if their team was one of eight to advance to the Knockout Rounds. With each win, those bonuses increased.

How much money will players receive in the NBA Cup? Here is a rundown of the prize money earned during this year’s tournament.

SN’s NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule

NBA Cup prize money
Players earn prize money based on how far their teams advance in the NBA Cup, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Each player on the eight teams that advanced to the quarterfinals receives at least $50,000. The payouts increase with every win, and each player of the NBA Cup-winning team receives $500,000.

The payouts are as follows:

Win championship: $500,000 per player
Reach championship game: $200,000 per player
Reach semifinal game: $100,000 per player
Reach quarterfinal game: $50,000 per player
NBA Cup MVP and the All-Tournament team will be selected based on players’ performance during Group Play and the Knockout Rounds.

Payouts extend to each coaching staff, too. Head coaches receive the same amount as players and assistant coaches receive an additional share of the pool money which equals 75 percent of the head coach’s total payout.

MORE: Understanding the NBA Cup format in 2024

What NBA Cup prize money means for players
Similar to Year 1 of the tournament, players have been vocal about the prize money being a motivating factor.

With each member of the championship team’s roster receiving the grand prize, the $500,000 is a bigger bonus for some players than others. One NBA game check is worth roughly 1/92nd of a player’s listed annual salary. And while 1/92nd of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s maximum salaries are significant, players on lesser contracts will receive major boosts.

Take Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. and injured Thunder center Jaylin Williams, for example. Each player is making just over $2.0 million this season. For a player of that stature, a win in the NBA Cup championship would be a 2,400% increase from what they typically earn in one game.

Regardless of the outcome, the biggest winners are the players on two-way contracts. Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, a two-way contract is valued at half the rookie minimum, or $578,577. The semifinalists add $200,000 to that total while champions will nearly double their annual salary.