The NBA has sent a memo to the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers requesting that players do not use the "3 goggles" celebration during their preseason game in Brazil on Saturday, reports Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com. The gesture, which is a common way for players to celebrate hitting three-pointers, is actually highly offensive in Brazilian culture.
NBA asks Heat, Cavaliers not to use ‘3 goggles’ celebration in Brazil
The common celebration used by NBA players is actually an offensive gesture in Brazil, where Miami and Cleveland are playing a preseason contest on Saturday.
Scott Halleran
Well, around here, that gesture is not a form of entertainment. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Holding up the “three-sign” or the “three-goggles” in a certain way while in Brazil could be mistaken for “f--- you” or “f--- off,” I was informed.
This adds an interesting layer to the NBA’s attempts to expand overseas, where many countries have different cultural practices and traditions. The “3 goggles” celebration is more or less accepted as a normal expression on the court in the United States, but in Brazil, it’s the kind of thing that could genuinely offend fans and others.
That’s why the league is trying to play it safe by keeping the teams informed regarding these cultural differences. Haynes says the memo had “a list of questionable gestures that shouldn’t be used in Brazil,” so this isn’t simply being limited to the three-pointer celebration.
The Heat and Cavs meet Saturday at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Tip off is set for 5 p.m. ET.
See More:
