New York Islanders player Anthony Duclair recently surprised fans by cutting off his signature locs, a move that was required by the team’s general manager Lou Lamoriello’s strict cut-and-shave rules. Duclair shared the aftermath of the decision on his Instagram story, showcasing a pile of cut braids and expressing his disappointment with a sad face emoji.
Lou Lamoriello has long been known for his strict policies regarding player appearance. Since 1987, he has enforced a “clean” policy that prohibits facial hair (except during playoffs), jewelry, jackets, ties on game days, and hair that extends past the collar. While these rules may have been established with a sense of professionalism in mind, they have also faced criticism for being outdated and oppressive.
Fan Reactions and Support
Fans of the New York Islanders expressed their sympathy for Anthony Duclair after he was required to cut his locs due to the team’s rules. Many fans took to social media to voice their discontent with the situation, with one individual stating, “Grateful that Anthony Duclair shared this. The visceral reactions are sparking important conversations and highlighting just how outdated and vile these hair rules are.” The sentiment was echoed by others who expressed disappointment in seeing Duclair adhere to the strict guidelines.
Impact on Anthony Duclair
The decision to sign with the Islanders in July and commit to a four-year, $14 million deal may have been a significant career progression for Duclair. However, the revelation of the team’s strict hair rules and the subsequent loss of his locs raise questions about whether he was fully aware of these requirements before joining the team. The impact of conforming to these rules on his personal identity and self-expression remains to be seen.
Despite the public reaction to Anthony Duclair’s haircut, the New York Islanders have not yet provided a statement regarding the situation. It is unclear whether Duclair was informed of the team’s grooming policies prior to signing his contract, adding a layer of complexity to the story. As fans await further clarification, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding personal expression and conformity in professional sports.