Long Live the Dreadlock Rasta

The Rasta King Himself

Cecilio's Scribe returning from a quick jaunt to Miami. I'd had this one cued up but now seemed an appropriate time with King Goodell looking into whether long-haired, freaky people need not apply to the NFL.

All this ridiculous hullabaloo got us thinking about one of the pioneers in the professional athlete hair department -- Brian Grant. Grant was one of those players who got the most out of his ability. Played with a ton of passion. Rebounded like a madman, putting up numbers more befitting of a 7-footer than a 6'9 forward. More importantly than his contributions to the Blazers, Heat, Lakers and Suns, "The General" left an indelible imprint on the game with his trademark (read: awesome) dreads.

Now, in the years since Grant the sports world has not been completely devoid of similar Rasta-style hairstyles, but they've been severely lacking (at least when applying Grant's high standards). And who knows what will happen ifthe NFL's draconian "hair cannot cover the name on the back of your jersey" rule actually gets enforced. So, today, we honor our favorite athletes of the long mane. Specifically, we're throwing some love to the bearers of the Marley-style (or Marley-inspired) dreadlocks. Those with just flat-out ridiculous 'dos such as Troy Polamalu and Ben Wallace shall be honored at another time.

Here are a few of the torchbearers. Apologize for the lack of commentary as time is short. Throw us some we're missing in the comments. Children of Jah people!

Lennox Lewis - Boxing


Rashean Mathis - NFL


Al Harris - NFL


Etan Thomas - NBA (is he still in the League?)


Ricky Williams - P.W.S.L. (Professional Weed Smokers League)

Edgerrin James - NFL

Manny Ramirez - MLB


Renaldo Balkman - NBA


Brian Grant - The Rastafather