The statement “NBA cares” appears on many national TV stations and is backed by many NBA players showing their care by manifest displays of kindness.

This type of caring can and should be emulated multitudes of times in the future.

However, there is a negative ongoing activity that has negative connotations – that of the ubiquitous “tattoo.” The excessive use by many is obvious.

Because stars of any sport are emulated by youth of all ages, these stars should be careful about what they espouse.

Many capable youths from junior high up emulate how the stars walk, what they wear and, yes, even the tattoos.

What can “rich” people do?

Whatever they want to do!

So we have these multitudes of youth also tattooing themselves.

But 99 percent of the youth don’t have or will not have the luxury of getting the six- or seven-figure income.

If they suffer irreparable physical harm, many will brand them as “tattoo freaks.”

But, you may say, tattoos can be removed! Only at the price of much pain, scars and “dinero.”

Those who cannot pay the “dinero” are subject to ridicule and, worse than that, often will be denied a better job.

Contrary to what the tattoo parlors will tell you, excessive tattoos are still looked down upon by the average employer.

Then there are the tattoos espoused by the gangs.

There are hundreds of thousands of “gang bangers,” who of necessity have to get tattoos.

The moral to this story is to not get into any gang or group that insists on controlling you – even your skin.

Coming back to the NBA, I strongly admonish all future stars who have not gotten into excessive tattoos that they care by being role models with their skin, too!

Jim Hoover, Alta