David Stern Fines the Spurs $250,000

[ace3g]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine) RT @jadande (https://twitter.com/jadande): The hammer: NBA announces $250,000 fine for Spurs, for...well, you know

[timvp]

Holy Sh!t.

Courts, here come the Spurs.

[ace3g]

Andrew A. McNeill ‏@drew_48moh (https://twitter.com/drew_48moh) Yup, Spurs fined $250,000 according to NBA press release. Stern: "The Spurs decided to make four of their top players unavailable for an...

...early season game that was the team's only visit to Miami. The team also did this without informing the Heat, the media, or the league...

...office in a timely way. Under these circumstances, I have concluded that the Spurs did a disservice to the league and our fans."

[Kori Ellis]

:lol
Now it's going to get funny.

[TimmehC]

Damnit, right after I post about possibly no sanctions, ace3g shows up.

[Arc]

http://i.imgur.com/nCouV.jpg

[DesignatedT]

Don't give them a dime

[spurraider21]

I really hope this goes to court

[mexpurs21]

Can we organize some kind of fundraiser to pay this fucking fine? :lol

[Chinook]

I wonder how much money Stern's gonna have to slip Holt under the table to keep him from challenging this.

[xtremesteven33]

This could get ugly for the Spurs

[timvp]

Andrew A. McNeill ‏@drew_48moh (https://twitter.com/drew_48moh) Yup, Spurs fined $250,000 according to NBA press release. Stern: "The Spurs decided to make four of their top players unavailable for an...

...early season game that was the team's only visit to Miami. The team also did this without informing the Heat, the media, or the league...

...office in a timely way. Under these circumstances, I have concluded that the Spurs did a disservice to the league and our fans."

WTF?

1) Pop's decision became public well before the start of the game. How much more leeway are the Spurs expected to give the Heat?

2) Under what rule do the Spurs have to discuss their coaching decisions prior to the start of a game?

3) :cry only visit to Miami :cry

4) :cry You didn't inform the Heat :cry

5) F David Stern.

[DAF86]

lol "substantial"

[Spursfanfromafar]

Sue the Stern!

[Libri]

What rule did the Spurs violate? Why don't they make that public?

[DPG21920]

Well at least no suspensions or draft picks taken away. Spurs will/should fight this.

[ace3g]

Marc J. Spears ‏@SpearsNBAYahoo (https://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo) NBA states Spurs' actions violated league policy (reviewed with Board of Govs '10) against resting players contrary to NBA's best interests.

lol

[timvp]

lol "substantial"

In the NBA fine world, $250K is definitely substantial.

[DAF86]

lol "substantial"

lol I missed a 0. 250 is more substantial than 25, tbh. :lol

[ThePop]

This will be fun
http://fireden.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/and-here-we-go.gif.gif

[DAF86]

In the NBA fine world, $250K is definitely substantial.


lol I missed a 0. 250 is more substantial than 25, tbh. :lol

[Sisk]

Stern is such a little bitch. Spurs will absolutely fight this, right timvp?

[Kidd K]

What a fuckin asshole. Cannot wait until Stern is gone. Dude is a butthurt retard.

[Kori Ellis]

Marc J. Spears ‏@SpearsNBAYahoo (https://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo) NBA states Spurs' actions violated league policy (reviewed with Board of Govs '10) against resting players contrary to NBA's best interests.

lol

That's interesting.

If he's setting a precedent, then every team will have to get fined in the last week of the season when players get sat right and left.

[LakerHater]

Maybe we could have a plate sale on the southside & have Stern pick up his money personally!!

[timtonymanu]

Stupid, but at least Pop or the players involved were suspended.

[timvp]

Marc J. Spears ‏@SpearsNBAYahoo (https://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo) NBA states Spurs' actions violated league policy (reviewed with Board of Govs '10) against resting players contrary to NBA's best interests.

lol

:lol Out of all the teams that tank for lottery balls and the other contenders who rest their stars, why did Stern decide NOW was the time to drop the hammer? Does he really want to argue this is the first occurrence since 2010?

Makes no sense.

[Seventyniner]

Holy schinkes. I really thought nothing would happen. This is a Cuban's-fifth-rant-about-the-refs-level fine.

[LakerHater]

Stern says, "Spurs did a disservice to the league and our fans.”

[Brazil]

lol I missed a 0. 250 is more substantial than 25, tbh. :lol

that's for sure

[Libri]

Marc J. Spears ‏@SpearsNBAYahoo (https://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo) NBA states Spurs' actions violated league policy (reviewed with Board of Govs '10) against resting players contrary to Stern's best interests.

lol

Fixed

[Seventyniner]

:lol Out of all the teams that tank for lottery balls and the other contenders who rest their stars, why did Stern decide NOW was the time to drop the hammer? Does he really want to argue this is the first occurrence since 2010?

Makes no sense.

Stern read Woj's story, got all butthurt, and added a 0.

[DPG21920]

Well I wonder why Woj argued fining the Knicks 200K was not substantial in his argument if this is considered substantial?

[mexpurs21]

Andrew A. McNeill ‏@drew_48moh (https://twitter.com/drew_48moh) Yup, Spurs fined $250,000 according to NBA press release. Stern: "The Spurs decided to make four of their top players unavailable for an...

...early season game that was the team's only visit to Miami. The team also did this without informing the Heat, the media, or the league...

...office in a timely way. Under these circumstances, I have concluded that the Spurs did a disservice to the league and our fans."

Since when did you have to discuss your gameplan to the opposing team, the media and the league office ?? Stern crossed the line.

[TimmehC]

It's amazing what happens when TV executives complain to Stern.

[LakerHater]

Can we post-date the check to February 1, 2014.

[CubanMustGo]

Stern says, "Spurs did a disservice to the league and our fans.”

What about what he did with the lockout? Was that not a disservice to the league and its fans?

What a fuckwad. Let's start a Kickstarter drive to pay the fine ...

[benefactor]

No way Stern was going away quietly after getting raked over the coals all last night and today by the media, coaches and players. The Spurs could just pay it but they should take him to court just to finish the job with no vaseline.

[timvp]

So going forward, does Pop just need to tell the league sooner before he pulls his stars? Is that acceptable or is Stern really going to try to go all the way with this?

[ace3g]

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/8638/sternpop.gif

[crc21209]

What a bunch of cry babies in the league office...

[timtonymanu]

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/8638/sternpop.gif

:lmao

[dbreiden83080]

Appeal and extend middle finger to the league.. What rule did they break? They broke none..

[DPG21920]

:lol Gold!

[DesignatedT]

Are the Spurs really going to pay this and act like nothing happened?

[Brazil]

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/8638/sternpop.gif


:lmao !

perfect

[silverblackfan]

I am stunned. This seems to be a black eye on the NBA no matter how it comes out. All because of a perceived slight to Stern. He overreacted, spoke rashly, and the Spurs have to clean up the mess.
It will be interesting to hear how this all works out.

[Whisky Dog]

Stern once again proves that his pettiness and bitchiness know no bounds.

Sue the fucker.

[Libri]

Is this the Spurs lawyer?

http://www.bracewellgiuliani.com/people/tullos-wells

[LakerHater]

So di he jus make up this rule that the Spurs broke??

[Mel_13]

I don't see the Spurs fighting this fine. Stern did not impose substantial sanctions, at least to my understanding of those words. Also notice that he didn't really set any new policy. As far as I'm concerned, Stern backed down and Pop will continue to operate as he has in the past.

[timvp]

Well I wonder why Woj argued fining the Knicks 200K was not substantial in his argument if this is considered substantial?

If the Spurs were caught cheating the NBA draft process by holding illegal workouts for prospects, Pop and RC would be Pete Rose'd from the NBA and never heard from again ... in addition to about a decade worth of first round picks.

[Kidd K]

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/8638/sternpop.gif

LOL, dude that's fuckin hilarious! :lmao

[silverblackfan]

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/8638/sternpop.gif

:lmao

[Mugen]

:lmao

Not a f'n dime.
-Seppe

[benefactor]

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/8638/sternpop.gif
:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

[Brazil]

I don't see the Spurs fighting this fine. Stern did not impose substantial sanctions, at least to my understanding of those words. Also notice that he didn't really set any new policy. As far as I'm concerned, Stern backed down and Pop will continue to operate as he has in the past.

it is financially substantial but yes nothing like suspensions, draft picks removal....

[BatManu20]

Dictator Stern is an idiot and a butt pirate.

[LakerHater]

$250,000 is same amount as Tim Donaghy's bail!

[Brazil]

ace3g I hope you don't mind I stole it to put it in my sig

[Creation88]

FUCK STERN. LETS SIT THE BIG 3 AGAINST THE GRIZZLIES TOO.

[DPG21920]

If the Spurs were caught cheating the NBA draft process by holding illegal workouts for prospects, Pop and RC would be Pete Rose'd from the NBA and never heard from again ... in addition to about a decade worth of first round picks.

Sure, but is that 200K still minimized? Is that a substantial number? Either way, Stern is smart, he knows that if people read Woj and take from it that 200K is no big deal, that 250K shouldn't be argued too much. Not that I agree, just saying...

[Spursfanfromafar]

I don't see the Spurs fighting this fine. Stern did not impose substantial sanctions, at least to my understanding of those words. Also notice that he didn't really set any new policy. As far as I'm concerned, Stern backed down and Pop will continue to operate as he has in the past.

While that makes sense, the fact remains that there is no legal validity or precedent (barring the odd couple of instances in the mid-1980s and 1990s) where teams were penalised for taking their main players off for rest. Besides, the reasons provided by Stern seem completely unreasonable and set a bad precedent for the future.

Atleast for that reason, the Spurs could appeal this "sanction".

[Mister Sinister]

http://cdn.head-fi.org/a/a0/294x294px-LL-a0823f7c_Oh-Boy-here-we-go-again.jpeg

[timvp]

Are the Spurs really going to pay this and act like nothing happened?

Since Holt and Stern are buddies, this could be a wink-wink fine that never sees the light of a wire transfer. In that case, this'll be brushed under the carpet.

[Libri]

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/8638/sternpop.gif

:tu

[Kidd K]

So going forward, does Pop just need to tell the league sooner before he pulls his stars? Is that acceptable or is Stern really going to try to go all the way with this?

I thought that was a stupid comment he made tbh. NBA isn't a courtroom, you don't have to inform the opposition of what arguments and evidence you're going to present "in a timely manner" so they can prepare for it. They had 4 fuckin days. . .and the Spurs just played the night before.

I'm not sure what he even means by a "timely manner", because the best that could've happened was Pop saying that day that they wouldn't be playing. So we're talking about a matter of hours really. Is that really a 250k fineable offense?

What next Stern? Pop has to share his playbook and matchup plans with Miami before they play on TNT too? :lmao

[timvp]

Sure, but is that 200K still minimized? Is that a substantial number? Either way, Stern is smart, he knows that if people read Woj and take from it that 200K is no big deal, that 250K shouldn't be argued too much. Not that I agree, just saying...
Context, brosef.

[LakerHater]

Since Holt and Stern are buddies, this could be a wink-wink fine that never sees the light of a wire transfer. In that case, this'll be brushed under the carpet.

So Stern wins!

[LakerHater]

Coach Pop should rest'em every nationally broadcast game!!

[Mel_13]

it is financially substantial but yes nothing like suspensions, draft picks removal....

It's less than two months salary for a minimum salary player. Does no harm to the Spurs ability to operate the team this season or in future seasons.

[LakerHater]

David Stern: "The result here is dictated by the totality of the facts in this case. The Spurs decided to make four of their top players unavailable for an early-season game that was the team's only regular-season visit to Miami. The team also did this without informing the Heat, the media, or the league office in a timely way. Under these circumstances, I have concluded that the Spurs did a disservice to the league and our fans."

[DesignatedT]

Very interesting to see how Pop handles resting in the future. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this wasn't the only game this season that he was planning on doing this or something similar.

[Libri]

Well, at least he didn't force Pop to put Bonner in the starting lineup. That would have really pissed me off.

[benefactor]

Since Holt and Stern are buddies, this could be a wink-wink fine that never sees the light of a wire transfer. In that case, this'll be brushed under the carpet.
Even so...why should he go that route? He's essentially bowing to Stern when Stern is completely in the wrong if he does that...and hangs his coach out to dry in the process.

[spurraider21]

Why wouldn't we just have listed them all as DNP: sore or DNP: fatigue

[TD 21]

Why is nobody considering the possibility that they haven't actually been fined and that this is just to save face and send a message in the process? Stern is a lot of things, but dumb isn't one of them. He knows they have no grounds for this, so if this is legitimate, he's opening up a can of worms and basically encouraging the Spurs to sue the league and turn this even uglier.

As an aside, I fully expect Pop to do one of two things the next time he wants to rest the big three. 1) Make up phony injuries/illness, 2) Start them and either have them intentionally foul immediately to sit out the rest of the game or just play until the first organic stoppage, then sit the rest of the game.

[timvp]

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/8638/sternpop.gif

:lmao

Awesome. The final addition would be to have cash "evacuate" from Brewer/Pop as he bends over after the dunk.

[EVAY]

Even so...why should he go that route? He's essentially bowing to Stern when Stern is completely in the wrong if he does that...and hangs his coach out to dry in the process.

+1. Doesn't he kinda HAVE to support his coach at this point?

[Mel_13]

Stern basically said that it's ok late in the season or in places like Cleveland or Utah. Just don't stick a fork in my eye when I send your team to Miami in November. It's a hissy fit that probably wouldn't hold up in court, but I'm not sure the fine is ever actually collected. He just had to do something after the statement he released yesterday, but not substantial sanctions and no harm to the Spurs basketball operations.

[DesignatedT]

Why is nobody considering the possibility that they haven't actually been fined and that this is just to save face and send a message in the process? Stern is a lot of things, but dumb isn't one of them. He knows they have no grounds for this, so if this is legitimate, he's opening up a can of worms and basically encouraging the Spurs to sue the league and turn this even uglier.

As an aside, I fully expect Pop to do one of two things the next time he wants to rest the big three. 1) Make up phony injuries/illness, 2) Start them and either have them intentionally foul immediately to sit out the rest of the game or just play until the first organic stoppage, then sit the rest of the game.


If Pop is regulated into doing those things then Stern wins. If they want to put something in the rule book after this season then fine but Pop should be able to carry on this season just like he always has in the past.

[LakerHater]

benching your stars is 2.5 times worse than calling someone a homophobic epithet on national TV

[benefactor]

If they pay the fine, Holt needs to at the very least make a statement that he stands by his coaches decisions and does not feel he was wrong in any way for doing what he did in Miami.

[baseline bum]

It's less than two months salary for a minimum salary player. Does no harm to the Spurs ability to operate the team this season or in future seasons.

$250K is a lot of money to an owner worth $80 million.

[Brazil]

It's less than two months salary for a minimum salary player. Does no harm to the Spurs ability to operate the team this season or in future seasons.

I understand but this is still a significant amount of money even if it's relative for a nba organization

[LakerHater]

Stern basically said that it's ok late in the season or in places like Cleveland or Utah. Just don't stick a fork in my eye when I send your team to Miami in November. It's a hissy fit that probably wouldn't hold up in court, but I'm not sure the fine is ever actually collected. He just had to do something after the statement he released yesterday, but not substantial sanctions and no harm to the Spurs basketball operations.
League doesnt like people messin with thier money!

[Spursfanfromafar]

Text analysis -


The result here is dictated by the totality of the facts in this case. The Spurs decided to make four of their top players unavailable for an early-season game that was the team's only regular-season visit to Miami.

In other words, it is okay to sit your "top" players in a late season game and(/or?) which is not an only regular season game against Miami (only?).


The team also did this without informing the Heat, the media, or the league office in a timely way.

So the guilt extends itself because the Spurs didn't inform the Heat (why the heck should they?), the media (but they did so before the game in a "timely way" that mattered to the media), or the league office (where in the rules is it specified to inform about in game coaching decisions?).


Under these circumstances, I have concluded that the Spurs did a disservice to the league and our fans.

Under these circumstances, I have concluded that David Stern has developed early senility.

[Bruno]

Just a fine, even if it's a very big one, isn't that of a "Substantial Sanctions". I guess Stern was trapped between his words and the reality. He couldn't really go hard after Pop because he didn't really break rules but he couldn't let it go and lost the face after his aggressive public statement. I think Stern choose a $250K fine because he estimate this is the biggest sanction Spurs would accept without fighting back. We will see if it happens. I would love to see Spurs fighting the fine but I could guess the logic behind not doing so and smothered this whole story.

[NASpurs]

Since Holt and Stern are buddies, this could be a wink-wink fine that never sees the light of a wire transfer. In that case, this'll be brushed under the carpet.

That's what I was thinking when I heard about the fine. This is just for Stern to save face and not have his authority diminished. With all the behind-the-scenes shit that goes in the NBA, this is probably one of those as well.

[Mel_13]

$250K is a lot of money to an owner worth $80 million.

Doesn't harm their basketball operations. It's a lot of money, but doesn't represent substantial sanctions as I understand the terms.

[Darius Bieber]

"The team also did this without informing the Heat, the media, or the league..."

Oh no! Teams now need to tell the opposing team what players will be playing.

[Trainwreck2100]

why the fuck do the spurs have to tell their opponent their personnel decisions?

[DPG21920]

Mel - would a one game suspension be substantial in your opinion? Also, if not, would you expect the Spurs to fight that?

[Spursfanfromafar]

Boy, I so wish, Ray Allen had missed the 3 pointer yesterday now...

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

How much is Stern fining himself for making the league office look like it's run by a cranky old man waving his cane at some punks to stay off his lawn? Because that seems detrimental to the league too.

[Brazil]

Mel - would a one game suspension be substantial in your opinion? Also, if not, would you expect the Spurs to fight that?

one game suspension for the players or for Pop ?

[HI-FI]

in a weird way, I'm happy Stern fined the team. It's just great he's lived up to this reputation as the most petty, spiteful commish in all of sports. If he turned the cheek on this I figured he has changed, but it's great to see he's the same piece of shit he's always been, just so everyone can see how he really is.

that being said, I hope they fight this, or at least protest it. Stern needs to be called out on his crap more often.

And this fine is further proof (if you needed any) that Stern goes overboard in protecting major markets and superstars.

[Mel_13]

Mel - would a one game suspension be substantial in your opinion? Also, if not, would you expect the Spurs to fight that?

One game suspension of the 4 players? substantial, the team and the union would fight it

One game suspension of Pop? wouldn't meet my definition, but I doubt Pop would serve it without a fight.

[LakerHater]

http://uppix.net/d/5/f/18924100780ab9bdab70cfcc8e1c3.jpg

[timvp]

I think we'll know what the truth is by the Spurs' response. If they say something like "we consider this an internal matter that will be handled within blah blah blah" that will be code that Holt isn't actually paying anything. But if their press release hints at any animosity, that means they're gonna fight it.

[Libri]

Just a fine, even if it's a very big one, isn't that of a "Substantial Sanctions". I guess Stern was trapped between his words and the reality. He couldn't really go hard after Pop because he didn't really break rules but he couldn't let it go and lost the face after his aggressive public statement. I think Stern choose a $250K fine because he estimate this is the biggest sanction Spurs would accept without fighting back. We will see if it happens. I would love to see Spurs fighting the fine but I could guess the logic behind not doing so and smothered this whole story.

So Stern arbitrarily chose that amount based on what he believes? Maybe we should we start calling him Judge Stern.

[baseline bum]

why the fuck do the spurs have to tell their opponent their personnel decisions?

Could you imagine if Memphis had to inform everyone of their personnel decisions in 2008?

[DesignatedT]

I think we'll know what the truth is by the Spurs' response. If they say something like "we consider this an internal matter that will be handled within blah blah blah" that will be code that Holt isn't actually paying anything. But if their press release hints at any animosity, that means they're gonna fight it.

So, you're saying there is 0 chance the Spurs pussy out and just pay the fine?

[Kuestmaster]

Fuck david stern and the nba. I was thinking in buying some nba gear but fuck them, I won't spend a cent in it as long as Stern is ruling it.

[Spursfanfromafar]

I think we'll know what the truth is by the Spurs' response. If they say something like "we consider this an internal matter that will be handled within blah blah blah" that will be code that Holt isn't actually paying anything. But if their press release hints at any animosity, that means they're gonna fight it.

Hmm..

What I like is that this adds another chip on the Spurs' team's collective shoulders.

In coming up with this fine after the Spurs nearly pulled a victory against the defending champions, the League Office and the Commissioner has undermined the Spurs' bench players and reduced them to some puppies without any agency of their own.

I suspect Pop will leverage the players' indignation to the fullest.

[mexpurs21]

Is this the Spurs lawyer?

http://www.bracewellgiuliani.com/people/tullos-wells

I thought this was the Spurs lawyer:http://www.waynewright.com/images/headers/header_default.jpg

[024]

I wonder if Popovich will escalate. The next time he decides to sit out the starters, he might get more creative. Like claim the big 3 have become a cancer on the team and they are "benched until further notice." Or have the big 3 start the tipoff, immediately foul, and sit them for the rest of the night. Or start saying things like "fatigue" or they have "the stomach flu" because they ate bad burritos from the same restaurant. Things that can't be refuted or easily verified.

[Horse]

He has always been out to get us. Even if we did wrong, which we didn't. He should give us a pass considering he ordered the refs to screw us out of the WCF last season. What a prick!

[Bruno]

So Stern arbitrarily chose that amount based on what he believes? Maybe we should we start calling him Judge Stern.

I don't think, and I'm quite sure of it, that there isn't predetermined fines amount for that kind of "violations". Stern just picked $250K amount by himself.

[timvp]

So, you're saying there is 0 chance the Spurs pussy out and just pay the fine?
There's a chance. Holt could consider the legal fees and come to the conclusion that it's just not worth it.

But $250,000 is like $10M to a team like the Lakers. Relative chump change, yes, but the Spurs have tight-roped the luxury tax line for less money.

[MannyIsGod]

I'm gonna be PISSED if the Spurs don't fight this.

[DPG21920]

Well, this is another case of reality vs what we want. I certainly want the Spurs to muck this up as badly as possible and wage war, but reality is they probably will do everything they can to keep this private.

[DesignatedT]

When do you expect the Spurs to respond?

[Slippy]

That's huge. I was expecting a 50k fine but 250. The meeting in Holt's office would be interesting.

Safe to say , Pop wont be pulling this again.

[DesignatedT]

I don't know why this is pissing me off so much but I will be upset if we come out with the bullshit lines about us not doing it again and shit.

[LakerHater]

DAMN, so no more .75 tickets!?

[Mel_13]

I wonder if Stern provided the Spurs with timely notice of the fine or if they found out on twitter.

[MannyIsGod]

There's a chance. Holt could consider the legal fees and come to the conclusion that it's just not worth it.

But $250,000 is like $10M to a team like the Lakers. Relative chump change, yes, but the Spurs have tight-roped the luxury tax line for less money.

You have to fight it because if you don't then you pretty much set the precedent that he can do this at any time in the future that Pop rests players. And do you think the Spurs organization should take that chance?

[timvp]

The best part of all this? I think it'll wake up the city of San Antonio. Every since last June's debacle, Spurs fans had never really recovered. The crushing blow of last season had a lot of fans licking their wounds.

But now that Stern has rattled the cage, I expect home games to become a lot more lively now. There's nothing a San Antonian hates more than feeling like they are getting taken advantage of by someone in a big city.

[LakerHater]

Seattle "FANS" should fine Stern for doin them a disservice!

[Slippy]

I'm gonna be PISSED if the Spurs don't fight this.

don't see the spurs fighting unless there's a way of doing things in-house between Stern and Holt.

I'm guessing, Spurs as an organisationg don't want the attention or the distraction on the team.

[ace3g]

Gregory Popovich ‏@FakeCoachPop (https://twitter.com/FakeCoachPop) Funny that I never come across Kings/Lakers Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals on NBA TV.

Gregory Popovich ‏@FakeCoachPop (https://twitter.com/FakeCoachPop)
Fun Fact: You can't spell David Stern without the words Nerd Diva

[ajballer4]

Bet Pop does the same thing when we play Portland on TNT as someone else pointed out in a few weeks. At the very worst, he dresses them but sits them on the end of the bench

[bklynspursfan]

2 things:


-No more game time decision statuses for players- (League needs to know in advance)
-Teams that Tank should be fined substantially as well.

[LakerHater]

trey wingo
‏ To recap the day in fines: NFL fines players for fighting 26k. NBA fines coach for coaching.. 250k

[Reck]

Well, this is another case of reality vs what we want. I certainly want the Spurs to muck this up as badly as possible and wage war, but reality is they probably will do everything they can to keep this private.

While I think the fine is a ridiculous amount of money I do think Pop and the Spurs needed this to happened to them. Resting players has become a year to year tradition.

Maybe resting one player at any giving time would be the way to go instead of resting the whole core of your team.

Parker and green should have demanded to play. Those guys can take it. I mean, if is this early on and they're getting worned out, what will become of them by the end? Gotta snap them out of this habit.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

If there's a God in Heaven this Sunday's Instant Replay will open with Pop sitting at a desk behind the $250K piled up and explain that this is as close as Stern will ever get to his fine. Instead it is now a bounty to the next baseline bum that guacs Stern.

[ace3g]

Gregory Popovich ‏@FakeCoachPop (https://twitter.com/FakeCoachPop) Resting players after 4 road games in 5 nights? $250,000. Exposing David Stern for the fraud he is?......Priceless

[DPG21920]

So now is Stern going to retroactively fine teams who sat their players? Also, he has to look into any team not playing their guys (for any reason) to make sure and verify the reasons are legit. Not only that - but he now has to define "top players" in the courts.

[Reck]

I think we'll know what the truth is by the Spurs' response. If they say something like "we consider this an internal matter that will be handled within blah blah blah" that will be code that Holt isn't actually paying anything. But if their press release hints at any animosity, that means they're gonna fight it.

Yikes, that would be worst for them. Spurs should just take it laying down or it will end up costing them more, specially when it was Pop's decision to rest the players.

[LakerHater]

Spurs have 5 TNT games, Coach Pop should rest his players in every single one of those games!

[MannyIsGod]

The best part of all this? I think it'll wake up the city of San Antonio. Every since last June's debacle, Spurs fans had never really recovered. The crushing blow of last season had a lot of fans licking their wounds.

But now that Stern has rattled the cage, I expect home games to become a lot more lively now. There's nothing a San Antonian hates more than feeling like they are getting taken advantage of by someone in a big city.

:lol Probably true.

I hadn't so much as opened this forum for MONTHS before last night. I have been deep into Lobos basketball already but I hadn't watched a full Spurs game - until last night.

[timtonymanu]

Gregory Popovich ‏@FakeCoachPop (https://twitter.com/FakeCoachPop) Funny that I never come across Kings/Lakers Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals on NBA TV.

Gregory Popovich ‏@FakeCoachPop (https://twitter.com/FakeCoachPop)
Fun Fact: You can't spell David Stern without the words Nerd Diva

:lol I was hoping FakeCoachPop would chime in.

[DPG21920]

Context, brosef.

Just read that this is the 5th highest fine in NBA history.

[BillMc]

Bill Bellicheck, who secretly filmed his opponent's practices, was fined $500K by his league. So Pop resting players in November is half as bad as cheating to win Super Bowls?

[DPG21920]

Bill Belichick is going to be sentenced to death for all of his IR trickery.

[BillMc]

The worst part of this is it may make Pop reluctant to rest his starters as often. Which is bad for Tim and especially Manu's long term health.

[Man In Black]

Pop is well within his right to do what he did. The commish doesn't call plays, can't dictate how many times the ball goes into the post and has apologized for past scheduling discretions in the past. Think to the 08 WCF game 1. The Spurs just beat New Orleans in a game 7 of a hotly contested series.
That night, their plane was stuck on the tarmac and the entire team was forced to sleep on the plane.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3405018

Where was Stern to help with scheduling then?
I know it happened but I can't find a link about it. A few season ago, Pop went BAMA about the fact that his team got screwed by first having to play a critical playoff game late night to be followed up by another critical game early the 2 days later, so that way the marquee teams, who had been resting, could get the primo early evening time slot.

Afterwards, Stern told both Pop and the fans that while they value their partnerships with TV, the league should be looking out for it's team regardless.

I'm sure there's a link out there about it somewhere.

HOW SOON HE FORGETS! F'in LOSER.

[Mel_13]

So now is Stern going to retroactively fine teams who sat their players? Also, he has to look into any team not playing their guys (for any reason) to make sure and verify the reasons are legit. Not only that - but he now has to define "top players" in the courts.

Read the statement again. He left himself miles of room to treat each situation according to his own discretion. The only thing you can say for sure is that sitting multiple players early in the season will get his attention. Now if the Spurs took him to court, he'd have to clearly define where the lines are, but that won't happen.

[LakerHater]

Marc J. Spears
‏ There will not be any separate fine or suspension levied to Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, league source said.

[Whisky Dog]

While I think the fine is a ridiculous amount of money I do think Pop and the Spurs needed this to happened to them. Resting players has become a year to year tradition.

Maybe resting one player at any giving time would be the way to go instead of resting the whole core of your team.

Parker and green should have demanded to play. Those guys can take it. I mean, if is this early on and they're getting worned out, what will become of them by the end? Gotta snap them out of this habit.

Psssss.... It wasn't about rest at all

[ace3g]

Paul Flannery ‏@Pflanns (https://twitter.com/Pflanns) More Doc on whether he'd sit players: "We’ll do it when we want to do it and we should be able to do it."

Paul Flannery ‏@Pflanns (https://twitter.com/Pflanns)
Doc on fine: "I don’t like it. I do get the other side of it, but it's a tough one. You’ve got to coach your team to win in the long run."

--

Read on twitter this is the 5th largest fine in NBA history

[LakerHater]

Doc on fine: "I don’t like it. I do get the other side of it, but it's a tough one. You’ve got to coach your team to win in the long run."

Doc on whether he'd sit players: "We’ll do it when we want to do it and we should be able to do it."

[Mel_13]

Mark Dec 13th on your calendars. Almost the same situation will occur in Portland.

[DPG21920]

Read the statement again. He left himself miles of room to treat each situation according to his own discretion. The only thing you can say for sure is that sitting multiple players early in the season will get his attention. Now if the Spurs took him to court, he'd have to clearly define where the lines are, but that won't happen.

Well I certainly hope this is one of your "they'll all play, but he'll pull the plug early" statements and that they do take this to court and make him explain himself :lol (j/k). I probably agree they sweep this under the rug, but it really sucks.

[szkorhetz]

I am laughing my ass off
:D:D

Gregory Popovich ‏@FakeCoachPop (https://twitter.com/FakeCoachPop) Quick question David, what would the fine had been had we won?

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA (https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA) Front office executive just texted on Spurs: "Watch, Joey Crawford will do the Memphis game now."

[Mel_13]

Bill Bellicheck, who secretly filmed his opponent's practices, was fined $500K by his league. So Pop resting players in November is half as bad as cheating to win Super Bowls?

Pop wasn't fined a penny.

[ace3g]

Gregory Popovich ‏@FakeCoachPop (https://twitter.com/FakeCoachPop) Evidently 18 points from Tiago Splitter counts less than 18 points from Tim Duncan.

Gregory Popovich ‏@FakeCoachPop (https://twitter.com/FakeCoachPop)
You exposed yourself David. You showed TV ratings are more important than the product itself. You know who else believes that? Wrestling

[jeebus]

http://i.imgur.com/fgq97.jpg

[szkorhetz]

I wonder what will be the next move against us? Minute caps? Every starter will have to play at least 25 minutes a game or what? Fuck you Stern.

[MannyIsGod]

don't see the spurs fighting unless there's a way of doing things in-house between Stern and Holt.

I'm guessing, Spurs as an organisationg don't want the attention or the distraction on the team.

I doubt it would be a distraction to the players.

Why the hell do you think they wouldn't want to the attention, though? Pretty much the entire NBA sphere is against this action and they see through it. I've seen pretty much ZERO media coming out in support of the fine or even his stupid comments.

[LakerHater]

What exactley was the team fined for, would it have been any different if they were there in street clothes?

[snickles]

Just sent this to the league via their "email us" thingie on nba.com

To whom it may concern:


I'm sad to say I am no longer a fan of the NBA. Its a shame, as I have been an avid fan of the game for well over 20 years. But the actions of your Commissioner Stern have continually pushed me to the breaking point. His hypocricacy


and tyrant attitude has finally pushed me away from the game I love.


I'll spare you the long history of gripes I have with the comissioner and get straight to the straw that broke the camel's back: His Napoleonic fine against the San Antonio Spurs.


There was absolutely NO rule broken. The league office has no right to dictate how a coach does his job. NONE.




Ironically, jusst 7 months ago, Adam Silver, the Deputy Comissioner of the league, had this to say on the topic of teams resting their star player.


"The strategic resting of particular players on particular nights is within the discretion of the teams. And Gregg Popovich in particular is probably the last coach that I would second-guess."


The hypocricacy is sickening.




The league has largely ignored the Spurs for years, rarely showcasing the team on national television broadcasts. But NOW, after the Spurs are coming off a brutal travel month, and the Heat are coming off of 4 days rest, Stern wants to


see the Spurs at full strength?


Stern is the one who should be apologizing to the Spurs. They have been the model franchise of the decade. They never have players in trouble with the law. In a league full of thugs they are a team of role models.


Stern's attitude about all of this disgusts me.


So I am done. The league will not make another cent off of me as long as David Stern is the comissioner. I will not be buying game tickets, jerseys, trading cards, caps, t-shirts, cups, sticker, magazines, nothing. I will not be


buying products that are sponsors of the league, and I will be sending them similar letters to this.


I'm sure that this letter will be ignored, but please please see that a copy finds it's way to Commissioner Stern. He needs to see first hand what long time fans think of what he's doing. And how he is alienating them, and completely


disfiguring what used to be the most beautiful so sports.


Thank you for your time.


Lee Watkins

[LakerHater]

^ do you honestly belive they'll read it?

[MannyIsGod]

While I think the fine is a ridiculous amount of money I do think Pop and the Spurs needed this to happened to them. Resting players has become a year to year tradition.

Maybe resting one player at any giving time would be the way to go instead of resting the whole core of your team.

Parker and green should have demanded to play. Those guys can take it. I mean, if is this early on and they're getting worned out, what will become of them by the end? Gotta snap them out of this habit.

Did you ever stop to wonder maybe this is part of the reason the Spurs have had a quality bench with players many others have discarded? Such bullshit.

[Spurs da champs]

Hopefully this will escalate into a war of words between Pop & Stern! :lol

[Mugen]

Just sent this to the league via their "email us" thingie on nba.com

To whom it may concern:


I'm sad to say I am no longer a fan of the NBA. Its a shame, as I have been an avid fan of the game for well over 20 years. But the actions of your Commissioner Stern have continually pushed me to the breaking point. His hypocricacy


and tyrant attitude has finally pushed me away from the game I love.


I'll spare you the long history of gripes I have with the comissioner and get straight to the straw that broke the camel's back: His Napoleonic fine against the San Antonio Spurs.


There was absolutely NO rule broken. The league office has no right to dictate how a coach does his job. NONE.




Ironically, jusst 7 months ago, Adam Silver, the Deputy Comissioner of the league, had this to say on the topic of teams resting their star player.


"The strategic resting of particular players on particular nights is within the discretion of the teams. And Gregg Popovich in particular is probably the last coach that I would second-guess."


The hypocricacy is sickening.




The league has largely ignored the Spurs for years, rarely showcasing the team on national television broadcasts. But NOW, after the Spurs are coming off a brutal travel month, and the Heat are coming off of 4 days rest, Stern wants to


see the Spurs at full strength?


Stern is the one who should be apologizing to the Spurs. They have been the model franchise of the decade. They never have players in trouble with the law. In a league full of thugs they are a team of role models.


Stern's attitude about all of this disgusts me.


So I am done. The league will not make another cent off of me as long as David Stern is the comissioner. I will not be buying game tickets, jerseys, trading cards, caps, t-shirts, cups, sticker, magazines, nothing. I will not be


buying products that are sponsors of the league, and I will be sending them similar letters to this.


I'm sure that this letter will be ignored, but please please see that a copy finds it's way to Commissioner Stern. He needs to see first hand what long time fans think of what he's doing. And how he is alienating them, and completely


disfiguring what used to be the most beautiful so sports.


Thank you for your time.


Lee Watkins

:lol Lee Watkins

[benefactor]

Sup Lee

[LakerHater]

Gabe Feldman‏@SportsLawGuy

Stern's authority to fine Spurs comes from Article 35A of NBA Const. Empowers commish to levy fine up to $1M for conduct detrimental.

[jsandiego]

In that upcoming Portland game on TNT, I would LOVE this to happen:

1. Lose the opening tip.
2. Have the Big 3 all horribly miss a defensive assignment, resulting in an easy layup for the Blazers.
3. Pop immediately calls time out, reading the riot act to the Big 3 as they walk off the court.
4. Pop sits all 3 at the end of the bench and chews them out military style all the way through the next dead ball.
5. The Big 3 remain in Pop's "dog house" for the rest of the game.

:rollin:flag:

[ace3g]

http://i.imgur.com/fgq97.jpg


awesome!!! hadn't seen that one yet!!!

[mexpurs21]

http://i.imgur.com/fgq97.jpg

:lol Is that for real?

[HI-FI]

that pic of TD and Parker with fake Crawford at their party....:lmao

hope Stern doesn't see it, probably come up with another lawyerly, fascist way of handling things

[PublicOption]

NOW I KNOW, AND SO SHOULD YOU, THE NBA IS RIGGED AND STERN DOESN'T LIKE TEAMS PLAYING WITH HIS "STORY".

FUCK YOU NBA>>>I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TICKET.

[LakerHater]

Maybe the Spurs jus earned a lil more popularity!

Like Jerrah Jones said, "as long as theyre talkin 'bout me"!

[PublicOption]

Pop should do it again, against Memphis.

[TheSkeptic]

Gabe Feldman‏@SportsLawGuy

Stern's authority to fine Spurs comes from Article 35A of NBA Const. Empowers commish to levy fine up to $1M for conduct detrimental.

See, they need to take this one to court (and Stern needs to retire).

They should force him to explain how the Spurs' conduct actually was detrimental. Teams seem to mostly sell in packages, top 3 ratings for the night, tons of discussion, quality game, preserving the health of players long-term, teams have been doing it since forever without problems, etc. Not to mention how this story has gone through the media.

I mean, since when has the NBA league office ever required coaches to clear their starting line-ups/inactive lists before now? Come on!

[Russo21]

Just for shits and giggles... I hope the Lakers rest Howard/Gasol/Kobe and OKC rest Durant/Westbrook tonight. Just to see what Stern does and give him a big fuck you

[PublicOption]

Stern gives away plot line for the season Spurs will not go back to Miami for NBA finals.

[Slippy]

I doubt it would be a distraction to the players.

Why the hell do you think they wouldn't want to the attention, though? Pretty much the entire NBA sphere is against this action and they see through it. I've seen pretty much ZERO media coming out in support of the fine or even his stupid comments.

Just the way the Spurs operate. Im sure they still want to be in the good graces of the NBA.(Stern)

True the media support it, most fans probably support but it's going to come up a lot in the future. You think Tim , POp and co want to address this issue every time there's game day interview.

There's a bigger focus.

[Russo21]

In that upcoming Portland game on TNT, I would LOVE this to happen:

1. Lose the opening tip.
2. Have the Big 3 all horribly miss a defensive assignment, resulting in an easy layup for the Blazers.
3. Pop immediately calls time out, reading the riot act to the Big 3 as they walk off the court.
4. Pop sits all 3 at the end of the bench and chews them out military style all the way through the next dead ball.
5. The Big 3 remain in Pop's "dog house" for the rest of the game.

:rollin:flag:

Thats fucken fantastic lol

[Reck]

Did you ever stop to wonder maybe this is part of the reason the Spurs have had a quality bench with players many others have discarded? Such bullshit.

What are you talking about? This is more about a decision to rest players more than it is about the Spurs bench.

[LakerHater]

Just for shits and giggles... I hope the Lakers rest Howard/Gasol/Kobe and OKC rest Durant/Westbrook tonight. Just to see what Stern does and give him a big fuck you

Is it on TNT!?

[Slippy]

I doubt it would be a distraction to the players.

Why the hell do you think they wouldn't want to the attention, though? Pretty much the entire NBA sphere is against this action and they see through it. I've seen pretty much ZERO media coming out in support of the fine or even his stupid comments.

Just the way the Spurs operate. Im sure they still want to be in the good graces of the NBA.(Stern)

True the media support it, most fans probably support but it's going to come up a lot in the future. You think Tim , POp and co want to address this issue every time there's game day interview.

There's a bigger focus.

[Man In Black]

Commissioner David Stern said in a statement that the Spurs ''did a disservice to the league and our fans'' when they didn't bring Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili or Danny Green to Miami for the final game of their six-game road trip.

''The result here is dictated by the totality of the facts in this case,'' Stern said. ''The Spurs decided to make four of their top players unavailable for an early-season game that was the team's only regular-season visit to Miami. The team also did this without informing the Heat, the media, or the league office in a timely way.''

Teams are required to report as soon as they know a player will not travel because of injury.

The league's statement said the Spurs were in violation of league policy reviewed with the board of governors in April 2010 against resting players in a manner ''contrary to the best interests of the NBA.''

After that meeting, Stern said owners had discussed the issue of sitting healthy players but that there was ''no conclusion reached, other than a number of teams thought it should be at the sole discretion of the team, the coach, the general manager, and I think it's fair to say I agree with that, unless that discretion is abused.''

Sole discretion of the team, the coach, and GM=Vice-President of Basketball Operations Gregg Popovich. All things basketball in Spur Land is controlled by Pop.

[Mel_13]

Is it on TNT!?

Yup

Disregard, I thought the question was about the Spurs game in Portland on Dec 13th.

[L.I.T]

I wonder if this will affect how coaches decide to hold players out to allow them to recover more fully from injuries. Every season there is a variation of:

Player: "I've been medically cleared to play, but coach felt it best if I come back after the break to make sure everything is fully healed."

Hell, Mavs pulled Nowitzki for four games last season to let him catch up on conditioning. Are those decisions now reviewable by the NBA?

[jeebus]

awesome!!! hadn't seen that one yet!!!


:lol Is that for real?

saw it on twitter; as far as I know it's real :lol

[wut]

"detrimental" to the league, how conveniently vague. I'd like to see Stern try to prove the exact financial loss the league incurred due to the Spurs not playing their star players for 1 game. Furthermore prove that this financial loss was enough to ACTUALLY harm the league.

Btw, if you look up the word detrimental (because words are important), it means: Tending to cause harm. This is important because Stern is saying that Pop made the move to not bring his best players to the game with the INTENT to cause harm to the league!!!

[snickles]

^ do you honestly belive they'll read it?

no.

but i lightly spammed it on their facebook page as well. i know nothing will come of it. but people got on my ass for not voting. so this is how i make up for it....

[LakerHater]

no.

but i lightly spammed it on their facebook page as well. i know nothing will come of it. but people got on my ass for not voting. so this is how i make up for it....

The NBA has a facebook page :lol

[MannyIsGod]

Just the way the Spurs operate. Im sure they still want to be in the good graces of the NBA.(Stern)

True the media support it, most fans probably support but it's going to come up a lot in the future. You think Tim , POp and co want to address this issue every time there's game day interview.

There's a bigger focus.

:lol

You think Pop has problems handling media questions?

:lmao !!!!!!!11

[Kidd K]

Text analysis -



In other words, it is okay to sit your "top" players in a late season game and(/or?) which is not an only regular season game against Miami (only?).



So the guilt extends itself because the Spurs didn't inform the Heat (why the heck should they?), the media (but they did so before the game in a "timely way" that mattered to the media), or the league office (where in the rules is it specified to inform about in game coaching decisions?).



Under these circumstances, I have concluded that David Stern has developed early senility.

It's best to not try to make sense of his comments. He was just threw some words together to try and make it sound nic,e even though practically none of it applied except stating the obvious in that the Spurs rested guys early in the season at Miami.

Of course, if Stern was that concerned with that game being so great, he shouldn't allow the schedule to be so lopsided in favor of one particular team for their only game together @Miami on the season. 4th road game in 5 nights vs first game in 5 nights is the most lopsided possible scheduling that can be done in the NBA. In fact, I didn't even realize that 4 straight days off was a possibility outside of the all star break until I just saw it in this circumstance.

[MannyIsGod]

What are you talking about? This is more about a decision to rest players more than it is about the Spurs bench.

Its about both. There's a reason younger players get rested too. You think Danny Green is really tired a few weeks into the season?

[99 Problems]

What do Golden State Wackers get for starting 5 rookies in final game last season. Dear David I want an answer before sundown.

[ALVAREZ6]

http://i.imgur.com/fgq97.jpg
:lmao :lmao :lmao

[ElNono]

So what happens next time the Spurs want to rest players? Have to consult with the league? And what's gonna be the fine if they don't?

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

LOL! Stern is such a worthless piece of shit. What a careless fine. Stern just wants more money.

[Drew2354]

Can we make some "STERN SUCKS" t shirts with spur logo as the u in
Sucks?

[Mel_13]

So what happens next time the Spurs want to rest players? Have to consult with the league? And what's gonna be the fine if they don't?

Pop will rest the players that need rest. He just won't be able to fly them back to San Antonio.

[TheSkeptic]

Its about both. There's a reason younger players get rested too. You think Danny Green is really tired a few weeks into the season?

Assuming Kawhi sits tomorrow's game out, I should think it'd be Diaw/Green/Manu guarding guys like Gay and Bayless. Maybe Pop just didn't want Green to go from Wade or Lebron to Gay one game after another.

[benefactor]

Pop will rest the players that need rest. He just won't be able to fly them back to San Antonio.
Yup...he will either sit them completely on the bench or start them and only play them a few minutes.

[diego]

See, they need to take this one to court (and Stern needs to retire).

They should force him to explain how the Spurs' conduct actually was detrimental. Teams seem to mostly sell in packages, top 3 ratings for the night, tons of discussion, quality game, preserving the health of players long-term, teams have been doing it since forever without problems, etc. Not to mention how this story has gone through the media.

I mean, since when has the NBA league office ever required coaches to clear their starting line-ups/inactive lists before now? Come on!

Isnt he opening up for fans to then question the disclaimer on your ticket that says no players are guaranteed to play? I mean, if he admits that it is detrimental to fans for players no to play unless injured, there are enough occurrences of that to "get in on" the compensation. Nothing indicates he is going to refund the people who went to that game with the money, again demonstrating how full of shit the league is. This was way more obvious than crawford trying to fight duncan. I'm so mad we lost last night, because nothing would have exposed stern better. At least its blatant enough where most everyone can see and agree this is bullshit.

I'm not a big fan of pop's minute management, not in terms of tv value, becayse of strategy, but this is IMO the perfect situation for it- last game of a b2b on the road, next game in 2 days against a physical division rival above you in the standings- and the circus stern has started just makes me hope they fight this, and then do it again the exact same way. So much bullshit goes on 10x worse than what pop did that gets no fine or rule change, and they come with this? Fucking bullshit.

That said, the spurs are classy (obligatory :cry) and will probably just let this die quiet, and if they need to rest do what the rest do, its easier to make up an "injury", i'm sure pop will have fun with it

[Obstructed_View]

I'd really love for the Spurs to hire an assitant coach with a cell phone to call David Stern before they make a substitution. Or they could fax the lineups to the NBA front office for "approval" before tipoff.

[Mel_13]

Assuming Kawhi sits tomorrow's game out, I should think it'd be Diaw/Green/Manu guarding guys like Gay and Bayless. Maybe Pop just didn't want Green to go from Wade or Lebron to Gay one game after another.

Or Green got sent along to carry Duncan's luggage.

[maverick1948]

There is a time at which the teams are required to annouce who is going to play and who is not. I think it is about 1 hour before the game time. If this is true and Pop told them at that time then what is the problem? Stern HATES the Spurs. That is the total reason for this.

How about all the fake injuries Kobe has had over the years? Spurs kick the collective rears of the Lakers and KOBE leaves the game at the half. I came to see KOBE play 48 mins not 20 and quit. Why is he not fined or the Lakers? They did not put their product on the court.


"Life is like a box of chocalates, you never know what you gonna get." Forest Gump. "NBA is a box of chocalates, nothing in the box cause Stern ate them all." Maverick1948

[Manu-20]

Fuck stern this shit wouldn't of happend if it had been his knicks or lakers sitting out their stars.

[Obstructed_View]

I wonder if anyone's pointed out to him that his apology to the fans constitutes an admission of wrongdoing on the part of the league.

I'd also love to see the overnights on the game compared to the last TNT game the Spurs played. I imagine it cannot be proven that what Pop did was "detrimental" in any way.

[Mel_13]

Yup...he will either sit them completely on the bench or start them and only play them a few minutes.

Tim will have knee tendonitis while Manu will have back spasms.

[DPG21920]

If this goes to the courts, it would appear that Stern is screwed. He's not an idiot so something else is going on.

[LakerHater]

Spurs Have Been Fined!
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mds250g1Ye1qbcs46o1_250.gif

[siraulo23]

:lmao

What

The

Fuck

[Blake]

Since the Spurs did a disservice to Heat fan, will the fine $250k be going to everyone who was in attendance that night?

[Slippy]

:lol

You think Pop has problems handling media questions?

:lmao !!!!!!!11

Exactly .:lol although he handled Charles quite well yesterday.

[CubanMustGo]

Someone needs to do a "Hitler hears David Stern fined the Spurs $250K" video now.

[MannyIsGod]

Spurs Have Been Fined!
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mds250g1Ye1qbcs46o1_250.gif

:lol The internet has basically become 50% witty and funny gifs.

[ALVAREZ6]

Someone needs to do a "Hitler hears David Stern fined the Spurs $250K" video now.
I second this :tu

[Slippy]

The BS apology to fans from Stern is just that. This about appeasing TNT.

Like others said just make up an injury or sit them on the bench.

[TheSkeptic]

Or Green got sent along to carry Duncan's luggage.

:lol

Good seeing you Mel.

[99 Problems]

What about LAKERS not playing Kobe in closing games last season and Durant subsequently winning the scoring title. Dear David spare a thought for those who invested their money on Kobe winning the title.

David if you start this, fairness dictates retrospective fines.

Procedual fairness and natural justice for all.

[pjjrfan]

I think Pop has always been vocal in his displeasure with the scheduling of games. If I'm not mistaken he once said that playing that many games on the road and double back to back hurt the league and the fans by offering a watered down version of teams that are tired and leg weary facing a rested opponent.though I am not sure but you have to know that if anyone has the balls to stand up to the league and it's version of integrity of the sport it would be Pop.

[ElNono]

274660868820721664

[ducks]

so stern did this so what happens when he steps down adam is on record saying resting players is not against rules
when is the stern retiring anyhow
I am sure the nba gms and coaches and owners want him gone asp now

[Mikesatx]

A win last night would have been a big Fuck You. A championship this summer would be a ginormous Fuck You!! ---Go Spurs Go---

[Trainwreck2100]

274660868820721664

I really really really really really really wish the league went after Pop. Would have been an even bigger shitstorm

[dunkman]

It wasn't the smartest thing to do, tbh. Pop should restrain from challenging the NBA authorities. That being said, Stern is an dishonest person. However, in that case he's right.

[Mal]

So basiclly NBA is all about money :lmao Stern :lmao NBA money making machine

[Mal]

OK, is there some public account, where I can put my monye for this fine ? I would like to participate in this fine.

[LakerHater]

http://uppix.net/d/b/f/4f3e18a475fb5ecebe74fa9a4f02e.jpg

[Trainwreck2100]

OK, is there some public account, where I can put my monye for this fine ? I would like to participate in this fine.
just buy spurs shit, they get revenue and you get merchandise

[Bruno]

Not fining directly Pop is a mart move from Stern.
Had Pop be the one fined, the coaches association would have fight against it. Most of the NBA coaches have carefully taken Pop's side.
With Stern directly fining Spurs, nobody will come at their rescue. If Spurs wants to fight that fine, they will have to do by themselves.

[Zero_Twilight]

This was such a low blow. I'm so so so SORRY for whoever has to pay this...:ihit If this is the price for taking care of your soldiers than so be it.

The circus is over. Time to move on.

The Grizzlies all look they've been eating bear testicles, they're huge and they don't give a shit about a Spurs-Stern rivalry. Tomorrow!

[Mal]

just buy spurs shit, they get revenue and you get merchandise

It`s not about Spurs getting fine. They`ll do fine without my 50$. It`s about bullshit ,which NBA becomes. I`ve got Parker`s shirt and stuff. I would want to give my money to pay this fine, simply as that.

[Trainwreck2100]

Holt's gotta be like "what the fuck did I do"

[Lincoln]

I guess y'all need to sell tix more than 50 cents to get the money back

[Kool Bob Love]

http://0-media-cdn.foolz.us/ffuuka/board/sp/image/1340/87/1340870001101.gif

[Mal]

Holt's gotta be like "what the fuck did I do"


I do believe true basketball fans will take Spurs`, Pop`s side.

[Cane]

Now that's a spicy meatball

[Trainwreck2100]

Why is the Spurs organization liable for Greg Popovich's actions? When Van Gundy got fined 100k for his remarks about officiating, they fined him and not the rockets. Why is this case different?

[Boomersgold]

That corrupt son-of-a-bitch, Stern. Let's start a petition to get Stern to quit?

[gameFACE]

I just hope the Spurs contest this in court. Expose that fucking $tern.

Give 'em the Spurs chorizo!

[HI-FI]

I see that hilarious halloween pic of TD, Parker and fake Crawford is getting some attention. it cracks me up but hopefully the league doesn't take notice or act like bitches per par. It feels like bad timing tbh.

[ChuckD]

So going forward, does Pop just need to tell the league sooner before he pulls his stars? Is that acceptable or is Stern really going to try to go all the way with this?

Going forward, Pop starts his five, WITH FOUR PLAYERS AT THE SCORER'S TABLE, "throws" the tip, and immediately fouls the player who catches it. At the dead ball, pull your four players.

I'd do it for the Next TNT game, regardless of rest.

[Boomersgold]

Going forward, Pop starts his five, WITH FOUR PLAYERS AT THE SCORER'S TABLE, "throws" the tip, and immediately fouls the player who catches it. At the dead ball, pull your four players.

I'd do it for the Next TNT game, regardless of rest.

It's so the fans know not to put all their money on the Spurs to win.

[Indazone]

Owner's Association should get together on this one and issue a big F U to Stern. Collectively they have more power than Stern. I can just imagine Mark Cuban's take on this situation. We'll probably know pretty soon what Cubes thinks anyway. Can't keep his mouth shut for a second.

[ChuckD]

How much is Stern fining himself for making the league office look like it's run by a cranky old man waving his cane at some punks to stay off his lawn? Because that seems detrimental to the league too.

[JRHernandez88]

holy shit... thats crazy



that's his pride making the move for being called out on national tv... can't believe that

[Gagnrath]

This one is going to end up being interesting the downside is that the media fervor will only go on another 2 days till football, while the actual play out will take a few weeks to months. I think the spurs and pop win this long term though. Spurs won't take it lying down separating holt and his money without a rules violation just an arbitrary "detrimental" puts the commish in opposition to the Owners which won't be allowed to stand for long.

[LakerHater]

Chargin $8 a beer & raising ticket prices to different games is a disservice to fans!!

[Obstructed_View]

Owner's Association should get together on this one and issue a big F U to Stern. Collectively they have more power than Stern. I can just imagine Mark Cuban's take on this situation. We'll probably know pretty soon what Cubes thinks anyway. Can't keep his mouth shut for a second.

Cuban's statements about the good of the game don't really matter. His actions are always self-serving. He doesn't like the Spurs. The only way he defends them is if there's an angle.

[superjames1992]

Go die, Stern. Unfuckingbelievable.

[ploto]

If he's setting a precedent, then every team will have to get fined in the last week of the season when players get sat right and left.

Maybe because this was the Spurs second such offense. Did the NBA possibly warn them last year?

[ploto]

Pop will rest the players that need rest. He just won't be able to fly them back to San Antonio.

This is where it appears the Spurs got in trouble (or at least where Stern found a place to say they violated the rules). It was about not notifying the league properly that certain players would not be traveling with the team to an away game.

[ThePop]

250k aside, I'm really enjoying this.

[Russ]

I wonder if this will affect Duncan's chances of making the Allstar game.

Yes, positively. :)

[HI-FI]

hearing JVG talking about it now. damn his truth bombs are relentless. sounds like one of us lol

[Spursfan092120]

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/484228_10151186916971347_1826266493_n.jpg

[Spursfan092120]

This is where it appears the Spurs got in trouble (or at least where Stern found a place to say they violated the rules). It was about not notifying the league properly that certain players would not be traveling with the team to an away game.
But he's done that before too...so have many other teams. There is no out here...there was a precedent set, and even Stern himself has said there is no problem with it. (last year when the Heat did it themselves). It's a garbage move.

[El Contusion II]

Resting Tim, Tony, Manu, and Green had nothing to do with rest. The last two games resulted in blowouts, thus allowing Pop to sit them in the 4 th quarters. This was done out pure spite. Pop didn't like the schedule, so he decided what not a better platform to voice his displeasure than a nationalized game vs. the poster boys of the NBA, the Miami, Heat.