The National Basketball Association has asked LeBron James of the Miami Heat to trade in his black carbon-fiber mask he wore on Thursday, February 27, 2014, to protect his broken nose for a clear mask.

The NBA does not have a banned on colored masks, but the league has requested James change to a more "traditional" clear mask.

James appealed the decision and is still trying to get clearance to wear the black mask because he likes the lightness and fit of it and he also stated he liked the style and how it matched the Heat's black throwback uniforms. Additionally, it gave him no issues when he was playing.

This is not the first time the NBA has taken away a players self-expression. Last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving wore a black mask to protect a broken bone in his face but was asked to change to a clear mask as soon as one was available. In 2012, Kobe Bryant wore a black mask for a half with a broken nose but switched.

The black mask was a huge hit among fans and the NBA does not considered the excitement that wearing unique attire brings to the sports fan.  After reviewing social media, fans are upset that the NBA is not allowing Lebron or any player to wear unique masks.

Let Lebron James and the players in the NBA have freedom of self- expression!

Sign this Petition!