Mitchell Robinson, center of the New York Knicks

When we know the importance that NBA players place on their image and their appearance, we might think that they are all impeccable in terms of hygiene… But obviously, according to a Knicks player, there would be major shortcomings regarding cleanliness.

Image is always more valuable in the NBA. It must be said that with social networks and their omnipresence in players’ daily lives, they must be absolutely perfect, both on and off the field. This is also the reason why arriving at the room is today the equivalent of a fashion show. Impossible to disappoint your subscribers with mediocre outfits.

But if style is one thing, hygiene is another. And obviously, at this level, there is still a lot of progress to be made. In any case, this is what Mitchell Robinson, the pivot of the Knicks, has just revealed. According to him and his expertise on the issue, many players would allow themselves some generosity with the cleanliness rules.

Particularly dirty NBA players?!

An outing for The Athletic which does not come out of nowhere, since obviously, in the New York locker room, there would be a real debate on the color of the balls used in the NBA. If they all agree that a new ball is orange, everyone has their own explanation to justify the browning after a few uses. Robinson is the most honest.

Personally I always thought the ball was basic brown. But if it turns brown over time, it’s because it’s full of dirt and bacteria. Already in this team no one washes their hands after going to the toilet. A lot of players in the NBA don’t wash. I do it. I wash my hands.

If you ever have the chance to watch an NBA game courtside and the ball comes towards you, it might be smart not to touch it… Because if Mitchell Robinson’s revelations are true, then hygiene is far from being the priority in the league and the ball is a nest of microbes and bacteria which is not necessarily appetizing.

And then, we can also see in these words a slightly more poetic denunciation, because it is true that many players have dirty hands following morally disturbing affairs. We can in particular think of Miles Bridges and his acts of domestic violence, or even of Josh Giddey who was in terrible trouble for a supposed romantic relationship with a minor…

Mitchell Robinson’s colleagues will have to respond to these accusations, because there, they come across as dirty people who don’t even wash their hands after going to the toilet. Above all, let’s hope that the pivot was laughing.