I'm not sure the conversation went as it's being portrayed (after reading a few sites, some say it was a request, some more a subtle comment with "don't do it or else" under-tones. I can't tell).
From what I've heard (from a few different news reporting sites) was that yes, Richardson and Newton had a conversation on the topic of being the "Face of the Franchise".
Richardson said it was his preference that since Newton was in this position, that he have more a clean-cut look, keeps with his personal upkeep, ect, including tats and piercings.
I never got the impression that it was a requirement of Newton or an ultimatum. It was just a boss asking an employee for a favor, but again, that's just what I thought it sounded like.
We should all be so lucky for our employement to go as such. I know I'm required to keep a somewhat "professional look" and I'm in a damn cubicle all day. And for those looking to play the, "If he has to do it, everyone has to do it" card, I call bull. I know here in corporate America, someone interfacing on a daily basis with clientel has to have a much more "refined" look than those like me. It's part of the job.
