In 1984, the world of basketball was on the brink of a revolution, and leading the charge was a young and talented Michael Jordan. Fresh off his entry into the NBA, Jordan’s talent was undeniable, but it wasn’t just his game that caught the world’s attention—it was his shoes. The Air Jordan 1, a sneaker that would soon become iconic, was launched that same year, in collaboration with Nike. What followed was a blend of controversy and genius marketing that would change the sportswear industry forever.
The NBA at the time had a strict uniform policy, particularly when it came to footwear. The rules dictated that all shoes worn on the court had to be at least 51% white and match the team’s colors. However, Jordan’s Air Jordans were predominantly black and red, a stark contrast to the NBA’s regulations. Each time Jordan stepped onto the court wearing these sneakers, the NBA fined him $5,000—a hefty sum for repeatedly flouting the rules.
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