DO you think that these comments will have any negative effect to the refs that are calling the game tonight?
Stern just hinted in a press conference in Dallas that there might be more repercussions for JVG's remark, in the form of a possible future suspension, assuming I heard correctly.
I see fans b****in about the refs when their team loses all the time. Didn't think the myopia would reach such levels, but I guess it does. Quit b****in' about the refs when your team loses!!!!!!!!!!! BTW, 100K is a ridiculous fine.
I really don't understand the league's position on all of this. Yao is the best thing that could have possibly happened to the NBA right now. At a time where their audience is shrinking after the boom of the Magic/Bird/Jordan eras, this guy brings in a HUGE international audience and untold millions of dollars into the league's coffers over the next decade or two. And on top of that, in most ways he's a shining example of what athletes should be as human beings. If I were David Stern, I'd have stepped in long ago and told the refs not to treat Yao differently (actually, I'd tell them to treat him like a superstar even if he's not one yet). It makes no sense whatsoever to have the refs keeping your rising international star OFF the court. I don't remember this being such a big problem Yao's rookie year. Most of the fouls called on him then were deserved. But starting last year, the refs seemed to agree that Yao would need to have more severe restrictions on his play. Very weird.
You thought Rudy T's players would run through walls for him? Wait until you see what JVG's troops do after he got their back on this one. No wonder everyone who ever played for him loves him. OK, almost everyone. *cough cough* Franchise *cough cough*
I am so eager to see tonight's game. If Yao is treated fairly, and the whole team rally round the coach, and we win the game, Cuban is for sure going to come out and say something. This could be the most exciting series, with a soap opera aside. The media must love this, and NBA must really hate JVG now. On the other hand, NBA and other refs must hate those guys who blew the whistle for those illegal screens to start all these trouble. The most important thing is, whether Yao can raise to the challenge and take the charge. I truly hope he will, and believe he will. Otherwise, JVG would be the most disappointing one.
I can see it now that Yao comes to the game with a cashier check in hand for $100,000.00 to JVG, and says: I am going to kick some ass, and I will not foul these guys CHEAP. BTW: I am sure Yao will pay the fine for JVG. You have heard it here first.
I was just reading through Cubans replies. Hilarious stuff! ** Cuban noted that JVG's remarks were "an insult to officials." This coming from the man who stated, “Ed Rush (head of officiating) might have been a great ref, but I wouldn’t hire him to manage a Dairy Queen. His interest is not in the integrity of the game or improving the officiating.” [Hmm. And that's not insulting?] ** Cuban stated, "They don't officiate individual players differently" So why exactly did Cuban list his team's won-loss record with regards to specific officials working his team's games? I like to hear a guy with a great line of BS, but at least be consistent or you just look silly, Mark.
Whatever the reason is, Yao has been targeted since he has been in NBA. Actually it is ugliest reason that makes this happened. Amercian are afraided of their No.1 pick becoming the No.1 player in this league. This is the stupidest choice for a business. The Chinese fans need see a fair enviroment for Yao, otherwise the NBA co. can imagine what gonna happen for their products in the future. Wait and see.
there is no way in hell yao will ever become the #1 player in the league. he's not even the best player on his own team. i like yao but that just isn't happening.
Look at Stu Jackson's wording: "No such directive was given to the officials regarding Yao Ming or any other player or team in the playoffs," NBA vice president Stu Jackson said in a statement Well that certainly does not definitively rule out the referees getting together on their own to stop the constant stream of complains from Cuban. Think about it, they look worse when they are in the spotlight. Cuban consistently puts them in the spotlight, even going so far as to insinuate that they are biased against his team through the display of win/loss statistics by referee on his own website (blogmaverick.com). Tell me this isn't worse than what JVG said. Seriously. Cuban has complained for YEARS about the officiating and created all kinds of conspiracy theories about all kinds of players. JVG relays the contents of one phone call from a referee and gets the largest fine ever for a coach. Something is seriously out of whack. Oh, and another thing, Cuban was quoted as saying that the league doesn't officiate individual players differently. What a load of horseschitt that is. Why would he be complaining about Yao and Deke's screens if he actually believed that? Makes no sense.
I think a little history lesson on Mark Cuban and his "love" of NBA officials was in order. I call this "the Chronicles of Cuban". I've highlighted what are, in my opinion, the most interesting parts. The date: 01/03/01 The headline:NBA fines Cuban $250,000 The highlight: The date: 04/13/01 The headline:Dallas owner Mark Cuban fined again The highlight: The date: 01/08/2002 The headline:NBA fines Cuban for criticizing refs The highlight: The date: 12/07/03 The headline:A fine mess/Cuban fined by league again for criticizing officials The highlight: You'll also notice every time he does this it's after a Mavs loss, but then again I guess Jeff made his statement after the Rocket's loss. Anyway here's a list of his further Chronicles: Date Amount Reason 3-17-04 $10,000 Public comments 12-6-03 $100,000 Comments about officiating 1-8-02 $500,000 Comments about officiating 4-13-01 $100,000 Derogatory gesture during game 2-16-01 $10,000 Running onto court to break up fight with Cavaliers (also suspended two games) 1-11-01 $100,000 Sitting on baseline during game 1-4-01 $250,000 Criticizing referees 11-22-00 $25,000 Verbally abusing and publicly criticizing officials 11-20-00 $15,000 Confrontation with an official 11-14-00 $5,000 Criticizing an official
As a YOF, I emailed NBA today. I told them how disgusted I had been with the unfair treatment of Yao, and I told them until they clean up their act, I won't spend another penny on NBA product.
Actually Yao is lucky picked and developed by Rocket. However, Rocket is unlucky that Yao is a real deal. That is all about it. Whatever NO.1 or not, he is much better than a good player.
Yao will reimburse JVG.. with chinese food!! JVG can get free meals for him and his family for 1 whole year at Yao restaurant
Isn't it customary for the owner to pay these types of fines? I have a hard time believing Les wouldn't pony up the $100 large, especially if JVG's comments like a fire under the Rockets and they win this series.
