Source: BroBible
Summary
Rueben Chinyelu, a college basketball player, wore cowrie shells in his hair throughout his college career, but was allegedly forced to remove them by Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, who claimed it was a “safety issue” that violated NCAA rules. Chinyelu has since moved the cowrie shells to his shoe and was gifted a cowrie shell necklace after a game. The incident has sparked controversy, with many criticizing Pope’s decision.
Our Reading
The habit gets a new name.
Cowrie shells, once a symbol of cultural significance, are now a “safety issue” in college basketball.
A player’s cultural expression is policed by a coach.
A “safety issue” that only becomes an issue when a coach complains.
The power of the cowrie shell is reduced to a fashion statement.
And the real issue is not the shells, but the coach’s ego.
Author: Evan Null
