Brett Pollakoff of FanHouse broke the news through a breathless email: Allen Iverson has shorn his braids. (Naturally, I discussed the matter with TSB's Bethlehem Shoals; these thoughts have been shaped by his analysis.)
The least basketball-relevant All-Star starter this season, A.I. has guaranteed a ton more attention for himself this weekend. Since 1997 A.I. has rowed; the braids were long a symbol (along with his tattoos) of the urbanization of the NBA. Too many curmudgeons, nostalgiphiles and -- yes -- racists tied Iverson's image to the supposed downfall of the lig. A fairly common but decidedly non-white hairstyle became an image of old-school/New Wave militarism, and the war has been waged to this day.
Let's not assume Iverson's Samsonite decision has anything to do with Obama's election (negating the need for self-expression for the extra-mainstream) or some ironic nod to ex-teammate Carmelo Anthony (who also snipped the braids this season). Every monument is personal and local; as A.I.'s reign ends, this can be seen either as personal rebirth begging for acknowledgment of continued import, or an admission he understands his career bell-curve is fading toward black.
Either way, reinvention as a role player is the next step. And that's the step that allows A.I. to exist in the NBA next season. Iverson couldn't take a small contract (which is all he'll receive this summer) without the process coming on his own terms. The Answer understands, everyone, and it's all going to be OK
AI Cut His Hair 
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