The NBA released a statement yesterday that did not deny last weekend's allegations that up to 20 referees gambled in casinos in violation of their contracts. However, the statement said its investigation shows only disgraced referee Tim Donaghy gambled on the NBA.

If commissioner David Stern has evidence a referee gambled in a casino, he could be fired under terms of his contract that prohibits all refs from wagering.
The loss of 20 referees, one-third the work force, would be devastating to the league with preseason openers slated to begin in less than two months. The NBA declined comment on what disciplinary action would be taken if a referee were found to have gambled in a casino.
"There have been allegations that other referees violated NBA rules prohibiting casino gaming and the like, but it remains our understanding that Tim Donaghy is the only referee who bet on NBA games," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said.
As part of his plea agreement, Donaghy reportedly cited 20 referees who have gambled in some form. The NBA is amidst its own investigation.
"Everything is under review," an NBA executive said last week regarding officials.
The crisis is so deep Stern has placed a gag order on NBA coaches and GMs. It's even trickled down to the WNBA.
Former NBA player and outspoken Detroit Shock coach Bill Laimbeer, who faces the Liberty in the playoffs Friday, told The Post, "You're not going to get me in the middle of that one. David Stern comes down with his big, old super gag order like 'Aaargh.' I'm not going to put my foot into something like that. That's crazy. Maybe I would comment on it, but my job is the preservation of everything and I'm not going to get in the middle of that one." Donaghy faces sentencing Nov. 9, and the more information he provides the feds likely will lead to a lighter sentence. He faces a maximum 25 years for gambling felonies that included making "picks" on NBA games for gamblers and providing inside information.


NBA WON'T DENY REFS GAMBLED IN CASINOS | By MARC BERMAN | Sports News | Scores | Results (http://www.nypost.com/seven/08212007/sports/nba_wont_deny_refs_gambled_in_.htm)

The accuracy of David Stern's description of Tim Donaghy as a "rogue, isolated criminal'' should determine Stern's job status after the worst scandal in NBA history plays out.
If the NBA commissioner was indeed correct in identifying the gambling-addicted referee as a single operative – and the hunch bet here is the other way – he might weather the storm and continue his reign. If, though, Stern proves to be wrong about an assertion made in the ugly affair's very early stages, he surely must leave the job with his credibility in tatters.
Current reports that Donaghy intends to detail the gambling habits, minor or otherwise, of 20 former workmates in the NBA referees' union have led to much speculation. Doubtless, if Donaghy sings clearly to federal authorities, some admissions will further embarrass and damage the NBA. Director of officiating Ronnie Nunn and executive vice-president Stu Jackson, already looking silly for missing Donaghy's actions for two years – after launching an investigation into his gambling and behavioural issues – surely will pay.


TheStar.com - Sports - If NBA ref sings, Stern will hang (http://www.thestar.com/article/248221)


If the NBA crumbles further on Stern's watch, it's not difficult to see him leaving in disgrace, with the owners turning to someone like Bill Bradley to restore public confidence. Stern's a smart guy, but nothing might save him if he turns out to have called this one so blatantly wrong.

Who would replace him though?

Who would replace him though?
I'd vote for Sheed. He'll take care of refs pretty quickly.
:pound:

Michael Curry, Lindsey Hunter, Dennis Rodman, the list of former Pistons is long.

Isn't John Salley the Commissioner of the ABA? Sounds like he's already in an apprenticeship position.

Mark Price

Bob Lanier

Chancey as player/ commissioner.

He's just have to sign some sort of conflict of interest waiver.

Chancey as player/ commissioner.

He's just have to sign some sort of conflict of interest waiver.

Given how he performed in the playoffs last year, I don't think anyone will think he has an opinion about who should win. Where's the conflict?

:cold:

Given how he performed in the playoffs last year, I don't think anyone will think he has an opinion about who should win. Where's the conflict?
:cold:

Well, it would be awkward when he'd have to decide on suspensions for Sheed. On one hand, he would want a 6'11" 3-point specialist on the floor at all times, and on the other hand, he would have the responsibility to hold all players to the same standards.

Larry Brown................He doesn't need a big salary.........

Mark Cuban would be an amazing commissioner, but too many of the old guard ownership dislikes his style. They are a boys club, dedicated to the tried and true imperialistic approach to sports franchise ownership.

Give it to his cousin Howard Stern...he would relax the dress code...especially on the cheerleaders:)

Have Howard Stern in charge of game highlights.......especially cheerleaders:pound:

Who would replace him though?

We should really stick with Stern and see what he can do going forward. I think after this scandal, he'll come back really motivated to get the job done. Especially since there is no clear cut answer for who you could get to replace him. If you're gonna can Stern, who are you gonna get? Who else is out there?

How about Kid Rock as commish?

How about Kid Rock as commish?
Wouldn't he be, just a bit, biased?
:sssh:

Wouldn't he be, just a bit, biased?
:sssh:

He's a cowboy, so he'd probably want to see the Texas teams do well.

He's a cowboy, so he'd probably want to see the Texas teams do well.


Remember that time George Blaha interviewed Kid Rock? Kid Rock was obviously high and he asked George if he wanted to light one up? I'd vote for him just on that alone.

Remember that time George Blaha interviewed Kid Rock? Kid Rock was obviously high and he asked George if he wanted to light one up? I'd vote for him just on that alone.

I'm sure he meant a cigar.

Mark Cuban would be an amazing commissioner, but too many of the old guard ownership dislikes his style. They are a boys club, dedicated to the tried and true imperialistic approach to sports franchise ownership.

One should know that when you are in the club, you don't embarrass the system. New money that is earned (most of the old money is past down) is suspect: don't be cocky, analytical, emotional, can read books, and most of all...not genuflecting to the market value of buying what you need and let others do your thinking.

I love reading every one of your posts, even when I don't fully comprehend them.

New money can be credible, but credibility and careful alliance are the keys to establishing a power base of new within old.

New money can be credible, but credibility and careful alliance are the keys to establishing a power base of new within old.

Absolutely, but in most cases there is a behind the scenes mentor. So far, there is an absolute vacuum in ownership perceptiveness (this is why Stern has so much power) and Cuban continues to be all alone.

And that's the kicker.

The lack of perceptiveness, as with William Clay Ford and the Detroit Lions, is compensated for by hiring an elite spokesman/decision maker.

The new school ownership (Bob Johnson, Mark Cuban et al) are self made men, not old money stalwarts. They expect to profit by getting their hands dirty, and thrive on being the ones making the risky decisions, win lose or draw.

The new school ownership (Bob Johnson, Mark Cuban et al) are self made men, not old money stalwarts. They expect to profit by getting their hands dirty, and thrive on being the ones making the risky decisions, win lose or draw.


Sounds like Steinbrenner to me..............:pound:

I am not sure who we would get. Probably someone we never heard of before. I hope he is more flexable.

Even before this I thought Stern had to go. He peaked back in the 80's, the 90's were good to him. Ever since Jordan left he has not been able to draw the fans in. He seems to only know one way of doing things and is too arrogant to ever change. Its always been his way or the highway.

If you think of the commish as a CEO you have to be able to change with the times. If plugging superstars is not working anymore then try something else.


He has no clue how to handle this ref scandale. Whats needed is a proactive approach, not silence and hoping it goes away. Its not going away.

And that's the kicker.

The lack of perceptiveness, as with William Clay Ford and the Detroit Lions, is compensated for by hiring an elite spokesman/decision maker.

The new school ownership (Bob Johnson, Mark Cuban et al) are self made men, not old money stalwarts. They expect to profit by getting their hands dirty, and thrive on being the ones making the risky decisions, win lose or draw.

I'm waiting for Ayn Rand/Atlas Shrugged metaphor. Unfortunately my English stinks, or I'd give it.