Sorry if already psoted: NBA getting rid of microfiber ball An NBA source confirmed to FOXSports.com that the league has decided to scrap the new microfiber basketball and will return to the traditional leather ball shortly after the New Year. "They had no idea that there would be such a firestorm of issues," the source said. "Because the players had so many problems with their hands and concerns about holding on to the ball, it made much more sense to return to the ball, I would assume there is some regret for not checking with the players in the first place." David Stern admitted as much last week in a New York Times article, saying he should have sought more input from the players before making the switch. He also said he would address player criticisms with the ball's manufacturer, Spalding. Last week, Players Association executive director Billy Hunter filed a grievance with the National Labor Relations Board over the league not conferring with the Players Association before changing to the new ball. Hunter also filed a second grievance regarding zero tolerance by officials on the floor for the questioning of calls made during games. "The commissioner has said he's open to any number of things," NBA spokesperson Tim Frank said. "At this point, we're not going to announce anything, but we will when the time is appropriate." There is no indication that an absolute alteration of the behavior rule will be addressed. However, the old ball will be back. Veteran NBA writer Mike Kahn is a frequent contributor to FOXSports.com.
