Calling those calls bullsh*t on air isn't such a big deal on its own. While the NBA is concerned about its family entertainment image, particularly after the FCC crackdown post-Janet, from a legal perspective, there are different rules that apply to a major television network broadcast and a cable network broadcast. You can get away with more on cable because it's something you invite into your home whereas the tv networks use publicly owned airwaves. Plus, this country's got totally different standards when it comes to sex, obscenity and violence. You can use profanity and show gory stuff before you can show a boob. ESPN and the NBA might have been upset, but I think that's what the public apology was intended to address. But the wildcard here is that Steve also popped Dick Bavetta in the mouth "accidentally". If you watched the replays on the ESPN broadcast, it was pretty obvious he did it intentionally. That kind of physical contact with a referee leads to an automatic suspension if the Association is feels there's intent. Regardless, the other referees are going to pay Francis back, big time (they stick together, as we all saw when that one ref got suspended for a bad call in the Lakers v. Nuggets game that cost the Nuggets a victory). So when you combine the comment with the slap in the face, I think Francis is going to get suspended.
I don't think this can be compared to Shaq's F-bomb release. I mean, he said it more than once and kept talking to the reporter. Stevie said it once, and was avoiding the camera. Shaq had time to cool off, Stevie just got off the freakin floor after being hit in his nads.
I dont think steve hit bavetta intentionally and i doubt the NBA can rule it intentional. Steve was not even facing bavetta when he acidently poped him. The refs at the game didnt even do anything AT THE TIME to steve, but it was pretty evident they were out to get him later in the game. This is bad news for the remaining games. The refs do remember and too bad the refs in basketball more then anyother sport can control the game with a few calls. 13 freethrows to 31 is a big disparity.
Whether I think Francis should be suspended or not is not important. Image is very important to the NBA. I would be surprised if Francis doesn't get suspended.
Don't know about your "Jordan Rules" argument but your contention about SF's whining is on the mark. And it's not just him - Mobley, Taylor, Cato and even Yao all have started whining about calls. The refs will not tolerate players showing them up on the court. The thing they need to learn is to not let the refs get into their heads and instead, concentrate on the game and let the calls sort themselves out which they will do over the course of the game. For the Rockets, it been far easier to blame the refs than their own shoddy play in an attempt to deflect responsibility for recent losses.
Exactly! ...maybe it's contagious? By the way... Not sure what you were referring to in regards to the "Jordan Rules." Make note that I put the word *favor* in "quotes."
I vote NO. He should not be be suspended or fined, HE SHOULD BE TRADED!!!!! Please someone, remember that block, remember that "put back" against the Wolves. Remember his LA games! Yes sir, Bob, this is your guy. He is flash, he is splash, he will marvel you, he will entertain you. Get him now! Don't wait, operators are standing by. Only four easy payments of 19,999,999! Call now!!
sportscenter showed an interview from after the game, and steve said it was all in the heat of the moment and that he was upset....he apoligized to all his fans and the spectators. if i remember correctly, when given the chance to retract his comments, shaq refused.
I think he ought to be fined, but no suspended....he would have been t-ed up has it been really take to heart and that would have ended his night with one previous technical foul. But, since it was really a disagreement technically with some profanity that should only earn a fine....luckily he did not get booted from the game. HOWEVER, we all know why Steve and Cat do not get a lot of calls.....they look for the fouls and complain constantly. Though Vade, Webber and Peja do so too.....so I am not sure even this argument works. I was shocked at the officiating no doubt. Stevie does need to work on his breakaway baskets.
I think what is at issue here is Jim Grey getting in these guys faces not seconds after the half ends. I know he came back to Steve after the break, but why couldn't the entire interview have waited until then? Give the players a chance to cool off (literally and figuratively).
He shouldn't but he will...He didn't drop any F-bombs, but BS is still a word that shouldn't be used...He should have just ran into the locker room but I'm glad he did it...Refs were horrible...
Whether or not he will or should be suspended, I just wanted to point out that it was pretty classy, imo, for Francis to go back on the air very shortly after to apologize to everyone for what he said. He was quick to make amends. I'm proud of him for that.
Didn't Shaq drop the F-bombs on ABC's Sunday game of the week? I am pretty sure it was on national TV.
The "Jordan Rules" refers to the 1991 book by Steven Smith on MJ. Many folks felt that when it came to Michael Jordan, the NBA had a special set of of rules designed to give preferential treatment to MJ - MJ never got called for travelling, etc.. The term is often used to describe bias or favoritism where certain athletes get, or appear to get, beneficial calls from the officials.
Yes, I know about the book, but I don't know how you related to what I said. If you read my post, I was refuting a previous post by saying that there's an *appearance* of "favor" but in reallity it's the playres/teams that just know how to adjust to the refs. Like I said. Notice the quotes around "favor."
Of course, the ROX settle for jumpshots where they can't get fouled or we drive the lane while out of control and don't deserve a call. The Kings attack the basket while we defend the basket... leading to more fouls. The only really bad call was on the goal tending by Stevie. It doesn't matter when a mic is stuck in your face... take responsibilities for what you say. How can some of you say that is is JGrays fault? He is an ass... but he didn't make Stevie sound like an ass. He did that on his own. Fine and suspend him.
anyone who is offended by the phrase bullsh1t. needs to take a step back, think about it, and ask themselves how many days per year they go without hearing the word ****. I mean, i hear it at the office, in restaurants, at bars, from customers, on tv, in movies, at parties, etc. It's just a word. and one of the most common words in the english language. Poo is fine. excrement is fine, hershey squirt, no problem. but god forbid someone say bullsh1t. kids ears are going to start melting. Then they're going to say, Holysh1t! My ears are melting. Then, they are going to be doomed to eternal damnation in Hell. If, they don't ask for forgiveness. I say fine him and suspend him. But not for saying ****, but for being a whiney little **** every game. Suspend Vlade for the same thing. New rule proposition: 1. First whining offense is just a warning, the 2nd is a technical. 2. Then invoke a flopping rule. PLEASE invoke a flopping rule! Since this regularly effects the outcome of games, I think this should be considered. Shoud probably be considered a personal foul instead of a T. 3. Get rid of the cursing rules. After reviewing the officials, at the end of the year, boot the bottom 10% or 20% that blow the most calls. Make up calls are also blown calls. And the idea that better players deserve to get more calls is completely gross.
