Former NBA ref blasts officiating

Finally I feel some vindication and Stern has to answer to this...and not with some stock "our officials, in our opinion, do a great job..." line of crap.

It's about time this came out. Their are so many bad calls that none of this surprises me.

Stern will take his cue from Major League Baseball. They'll just ignore the scandal and hope it goes away...........Same as the problem with steroids..............

On the whole, there is nothing better. Granted, you need better oversight on training issues and some tight critiques from third party overseers, but you have the best there is.

What many fail to understand is that they are an isolated group. A group that (from the ground level) sees, hears and eventually must act in micro-seconds. The corollary to this profession are the law officials on the beat. Everyone hates them and they see, feel and internalize what most prefer not too see or acknowledge.

Want proof on how bad it could be? Remember the substitutions during the last ref walkout?

Stern is not helping himself thinking that the flaw is isolated. It is to some extend, but because of ideological concentrations within the media, they will now not leave a stone unturned. He needs to develop an oversight (third party) structure and admit we are dealing with human beings that also are part of the media circus (of which he delights in being part of). He has to move fast on this, since repercussions will be leaking out and it's all defensiveness after that. It may get ugly and more involved with the game's integrity. Not a pretty sight too see.

Good heavens, no! Rookie refs are terribly inconsistent and this is the last thing you want. All most all professional players (3 years plus) know how to adjust to the vet refs. There are books on refs and how you must stay away or how you must play them (go ask Cuban).

This is not to say that certain refs are easily grated by certain personality types. They tighten up their act in the fourth quarter and give a great deal of leeway in not letting the whistle determine the outcome. Unfortunately the game is being extremely extended and an intense concentration on strategy is being played out in the last 30 seconds. I marvel at times just how closely in-tuned the refs are in this last few seconds....right down to the adding or subtracting points on the second clock. Be honest now, could you follow the game (while on the court) that closely?

Sheed is a child...and he refuses to make any adjustments unless of course it has repercussions in suspensions. The refs could tag Sheed at least 3-5 per game with technicals. Go figure.

I'm so glad this long- awaited debate is finally starting. It's more than obvious that superstars are getting calls average players would never get.
It sucks to see all the travelling, pushing and shoving happening without calls just because of the name a player has. I hope it will become better now that there actually seems to be a discussion about that.

Do be naive (or so intellectually cynical)...it's just beginning. This is going to spread. Having a lawyer, or a group of lawyers (typical Stern and bringing slightly higher level thinking above those mentally challenged owners) is not the answer. He needs to bring a third party oversight group and training (using the latest technology) to buy time until the season starts so it is in place and reasonably functional.

Have you noticed how silent the union is about this? No thinking go on there.

Those refs should get the same treatment as Donaghy.

There is a huge difference between fixing games and playing a little blackjack on the side.