Athletes Tell The Meaning Behind Their TATTOOS

Jet, July 9, 2001

As star athletes play in coliseums, areas and stadiums across the country, their fans can't help noticing the growing number of tattoos that adorn their bulging biceps and other muscle-laden limbs.

Tattoos are transforming their classic physiques into true works of art. Every symbol or phrase holds a meaning as unique as the famous person it decorates.

Some of today's hottest sports stars reveal why they chose them and what they mean.

ALLEN IVERSON:

The NBA's 2001 MVP captivates fans with his electrifying play and his array of tattoos. Philadelphia 76ers Iverson displays 16 tattoos that describe his attitude in life (Only the Strong Survive), on the court, and ones that are dedicated to his family and friends. On his left arm, Iverson's nickname, The Answer, is written above a bulldog, is the Georgetown University mascot--Iverson's alma mater.

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL:

Taking off his cape to celebrate his back-to-back NBA championship, O'Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers typified his Superman tattoo throughout the recent playoffs. In addition to the "S" inside the emblem, the 7-foot-1, 315-pound superstar has on his massive biceps "Taahairh," his daughter's name, and the declarations "The World is Mine" and "Against the Law."

RAY LEWIS:

One of Super Bowl Champion Ray Lewis' two tattoos is a panther on his right arm because he loves cats. "I study them," said Lewis, the NFL's 2001 MVP. "They are cunning, quick, crafty, intelligent and focused." Perhaps this exemplifies Lewis' play, a bulldozing linebacker who earned the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year Award last season. Asked if he plans to get more tattoos, Lewis told JET, "No, my mother won't let me."

MARCUS CAMBY:

This flourishing strong forward uses symbols to express himself. The Chinese tattoo on his right shoulder means "Strive to be your best." The one underneath is a symbol meaning "Love your family." The sensational Camby of the New York Knicks got the tattoos about three years ago and says he doesn't have the same tattoos as anyone else. "At least not that I know about! I purposely chose the ones that I did because I wanted them to be original."

LARRY HUGHES:

This impeccable guard's confident court attitude is visible on his body. Working magic with a basketball against his opponents, Hughes has a two-headed dragon with a magician holding a basketball in the middle tattooed on his forearm. "This [represents] my skills in basketball." The human symbol that And I basketball apparel uses on its clothing is tattooed on his right arm. "The guy has shorts on and no shirt, holding a basketball," said Hughes. "That's how we play, shirts and skins." The Golden State Warrior gains motivation from the large tattoo on his left arm that is three grim reapers, a skull and Psalm 26.

YOLANDA GRIFFITH:

At 6-foot-4, this Olympian proudly wears seven tattoos in the national spotlight. Varying from animals, names, numbers and symbols, Griffith's first tattoo was her nickname Yo Yo on her right leg. This painful experience took place in the girls' locker room at her high school: a lesson to get her tattoos professionally done. The African symbol she wears on her left arm means "strength, beauty, and vigilance." Her most recent tattoo is of a large panther on her right thigh. "I wanted it for a long time and it was something I said I was going to get," Griffith told JET.

STEPHON MARBURY:

Marbury's East Coast style and hunger for triumph is the backdrop of his elaborate tattoos. From Marbury's shoulder to close to his elbow is a heart with "Coney Island's Finest" written at the top. "When I got that I was like the first person out of Coney Island to turn pro," the New Jersey Nets guard told JET of his nearly four-year-old tattoo. His first tattoo at the tender age of 13 was of a panther standing on top of a mountain. Marbury's tattoos clearly represent what he holds dear in life. He has a Mont Blanc pen trail with his family's names scripted around his arm. "My tattoos revolve around my life. I think tattoos are something that tell who you are and how you feel."