Stern: half of refs gambled in casinos

So when everything he did to defend his precious refs come right back in his face, he alters the rules so that the refs can technically remain innocent of any infractions.

I wonder if Congress would change the law if George Bush killed an innocent man so he could get off.

 

Haha, of all people, Stern would use "the rules were outdated" as an excuse.

 

Good players he can find worldwide.

Finding good NBA refs is a harder thing.

 

There, fixed it for you. If NBA refs get paid on par with the player, I can guarantee that the level of refereeing will increase dramatically.

The point is that Stern probably doesn't feel that the current level of refereeing negatively affects the game enough to warrant an overhaul. So he just simply tries to cover up their problems rather than dealing with them.

 

You had a point before you brought Suns whining into the picture.

 

What a great commissioner! Lets punish the players and try and show them up, but let owners drive around drunk with no reprecussions and then change the rules to help gambling officials! Unreal.

 

I understand your point but it was <b>Diaw</b> and Stoudamare that was suspended, not Nash.

 

Don't question Dictator Stern or he will ban you as a fan too!

 

Thanks for the inspiration...I agree, although I believe you approached the issue with more tact.

http://hoopsblogging.com/2007/10/26/david-stern-and-the-nbas-double-standard/

 

First of all, how in the world would Stern punish owners? Those are the guys who pay his salary.

Also, as with many other things in life, it just comes down to money. Players make millions. They can get these millions from the NBA and nowhere else. Hence, Stern can make fairly crap rules and force players to abide by them, because players don't have much of a choice in their job market. The NBA competes with basically no one else for players, because the European teams cannot offer nearly as much as the NBA.

Refs, on the other hand, make good but not incredible money. The NBA can't just say "screw you" to the refs because if they do, potential refs will more likely choose another career that isn't nearly as strict as the NBA. Hence, Stern can come down harshly on players but not the refs, because he knows that the consequences are not the same.

 

Terrible decision.
It really makes me wonder what else was going on.

 

If half the refs are doing it, he can't punish them; there's just too many. It would be a big union thing. If there was a rule that over half the players routinely violated, Stern would have a very tough time punishing them too. If he had been able to promptly punish refs after particular visits to casinos, he could have maintained order. Of course, he couldn't have done that because they don't have any way of knowing when refs go to casinos. Which is why he's changing the rule -- its not a good idea to have rules you can't enforce.

So, I wouldn't think of it as Stern coddling his refs. He's in a position with no leverage.

 

This gambling situation is a lot different than just a rule violation. If it were half cheating on time sheets or something that’s one thing. But in light of the gambling problem they have, this isn't a good decision in my opinion.

Is he afraid that if half are disciplined one might talk?

Seems like he is just hoping the gambling problem will just quietly go away. Reminds me of how baseball dealt with steroids.

 

Mr.Stern took the lesser of two evils. His ruling shows his wisdom for the future benifit of the game.
If I was the Commissioner I would fire all of the offending officials and reorganize the game where both Refs and Players were paid fair and reasonable wages.
The Star Players taking major cuts in their income.There would be a life long pension scheme for players who played 10 years or more.
There would also be a school of Refs.and a degree presented at the end of the study. Refs would have to take refresher courses every off season.

 

Yes, Mr. Stern needs do something, I do not have a truth in refs anymore.

 

yeah, i know that for me, whenever there's a questionable call next season, i'll be thinking "can i really trust eddie f. rush knowing he split his kings last august at the bellagio?"

 

I disagree. You can say the same thing about players on roid. Should they scratch the rule simply because too many players are doing it?

You can enforce the rule even if "too many" people are violating it. It's just a matter of will. If you think it is important enough, you'd do it. The fact that he knows how many refs are doing it means that he has the means to enforce. In fact, it should be easier to track refs gambling activities than track players drug activities.

I think the other post's point about money is more valid. The refs don't have as much to lose than the players. That's why I've always advocated paying refs big money, like they pay players and coaches. You attract high competence people if you pay more and you can enforce heavier accountability.

 

this is really not any news.
i see so many NBA players in Vegas having a good time, why can't the refs?
why can't they hit the slots or throw some dice or play some cards?