lefty
12-01-2006, 06:19 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2682848
Updated: Dec. 1, 2006, 5:31 PM ET
Union gets on ball, files unfair labor suit against NBA
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- The players' association filed two unfair labor practice charges Friday against the NBA over issues with the new ball and the league's crackdown on player complaints.
A number of players publicly have complained about the change in the ball from leather to microfiber composite. But the crackdown on complaints after the whistle, often referred to as a "zero-tolerance policy," might be the bigger problem.
With players fined for each technical they receive, union director Billy Hunter told The Associated Press last month that a lawsuit could be the next step if NBA commissioner David Stern didn't tell the referees to "back off."
NBA spokesman Brian McIntyre said the league was "reviewing what they have filed."
"Our obligation to represent our membership dictates the filing of these actions," Hunter said in a statement. "There is virtual unanimity amongst the players about their concerns and intense dislike for the new synthetic ball and the 'zero tolerance' policy.
"After extensive consultation with our membership and player leadership we determined that this was the appropriate course of action."
The union feels it was entitled to have input on both changes before they were put into play. The section of the collective bargaining agreement titled On-Court Conduct, states, in part:
"Prior to the date on which any new rule promulgated by the NBA becomes effective, the NBA shall provide notice of such new rule to the Players Association and consult with the Players Association with respect thereto."
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press
Updated: Dec. 1, 2006, 5:31 PM ET
Union gets on ball, files unfair labor suit against NBA
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- The players' association filed two unfair labor practice charges Friday against the NBA over issues with the new ball and the league's crackdown on player complaints.
A number of players publicly have complained about the change in the ball from leather to microfiber composite. But the crackdown on complaints after the whistle, often referred to as a "zero-tolerance policy," might be the bigger problem.
With players fined for each technical they receive, union director Billy Hunter told The Associated Press last month that a lawsuit could be the next step if NBA commissioner David Stern didn't tell the referees to "back off."
NBA spokesman Brian McIntyre said the league was "reviewing what they have filed."
"Our obligation to represent our membership dictates the filing of these actions," Hunter said in a statement. "There is virtual unanimity amongst the players about their concerns and intense dislike for the new synthetic ball and the 'zero tolerance' policy.
"After extensive consultation with our membership and player leadership we determined that this was the appropriate course of action."
The union feels it was entitled to have input on both changes before they were put into play. The section of the collective bargaining agreement titled On-Court Conduct, states, in part:
"Prior to the date on which any new rule promulgated by the NBA becomes effective, the NBA shall provide notice of such new rule to the Players Association and consult with the Players Association with respect thereto."
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press