NBA Refs, Coaches Too Friendly?
Jul 15, 2008 NBA
Every once in a while, tWWL has an article worth reading, and I think this one is the most recent one. Disgraced NBA ref alleged recently that some of his former peers worked with ‘league officials’ to affect the outcome of games, specifically to make playoff series go to seven games (here’s some math that might back it up). Of concern now is the fact that some referees are too friendly with coaches and players, raising concerns of favoritism or other types of leverage.
A prominent former NBA coach who asked not to be identified tells ESPN that in the fourth quarter of a playoff game against the Bulls, he heard a high-profile ref say to Michael Jordan, “Can I get your shoes after the game?”
It seems to run pretty deep.
Karl remembers a scene he witnessed in the NBA store in New York about five years ago. It still bothers him.
“There were a couple of NBA officials in the store, and they were asking for autographs from players. And I’ve heard the stories that they ask for socks and ask for jerseys to be signed, and I’m hoping it’s all for charity,” he recalls with an uncomfortable laugh. “I’m hoping it’s all for the good of giving back to the game. But it worries me. It worries me that a young official in this league has a charity or has a foundation for giving back. Sometimes, I think it’s for themselves. I didn’t like it.”
This isn’t going away, and if I’m in charge of the NBA, I might considering doing a little bit more about it so I don’t seem to be standing still/covering up. Just a thought.
Asked if he believes Donaghy is the only referee guilty of manipulating games, Karl squirms before he answers. He leans forward, then back. He sighs. He shakes his head and finally offers, “I don’t know how to answer that question without getting fined.”
You just did, George.
Tags: basketball, karl, NBA
Congratulations Celtics
Jun 19, 2008 NBA
I heard that you are the NBA champs, or something. Good job. The team with no players I care about beat the team with one player I dislike, and a coach that I used to like. I would’ve watched, too, but not having any games before 9pm (even on the weekend) made it difficult. I couldn’t even stay awake for the end of SCF games (a sport I love), no way am I going to try for basketball.
Tags: basketball, boston, bryant, celtics, lakers, los angeles, NBA
NBA Jumps on the Outdoor Game Bandwagon
Feb 20, 2008 NBA
The Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets are going to play a preseason game outside next year, at a tennis venue in Indian Wells, CA. The only other time the Association has played outside was back in 1972, with two games in Puerto Rico. The October 11th game will be shown on TNT, and tickets for the 16,100 seat arena will range from $10 to $100.
This should be a bit easier to carry out logistically speaking, as they don’t have to worry about freezing anything. I hope it’s played in the evening, though, Shaq just might collapse on the court if it’s too hot. Wait, he doesn’t run that hard anyway. Never mind.
Tags: basketball, denver, NBA, nuggets, outdoor game, phoenix, shaq, suns
All-Star Games: Midseason or After the Season?
Dec 18, 2007 Sports
With the NHL All-Star balloting in full swing (and the NFL winding down), I begin to think about All-Star games. Baseball fans always complain about the All-Star game being at the midway point, as it usually leaves out players who have a strong second half. The NBA and NHL work in a similar manner. The Pro Bowl, of course, is after the Super Bowl. I can’t remember the last time I watched it, I mean, meaningful football is over then, right? Which is preferable to you? Here’s how I break it down, let me know if there is anything I’ve missed:
Pros for the Midseason All-Star Games:
- Health - there’s a good chance players are still healthy enough to play
- I’m engaged - I’m more likely to watch the All-Star game if my team is still relevant
- I’m not burned out - I haven’t watched 100 games already
Pros for the End of Season All-Star Game:
-
It’s the stats, yo - you truly know who had the best statistical campaign
-
Whew, made it - even though most All-Star tilts are low impact affairs, you won’t have the risk of a serious injury affecting your team’s season (think Domink Hasek at the last Olympics)
All of them would be improved with some spirited competition, but it would take is more players caring about the job of entertaining their fans. At least most hockey players are likeable. Anyway, just thought I’d start a discussion about All-Star games.
Tags: all-star, allstar, baseball, basketball, football, Hockey, MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, Soccer
