Refs on lockout.

[Chieflion]

back in the 80s when Reagan fired all the striking air traffic controllers, everyone thought that planes were gonna start fallilng out of the sky when all the ATC's were replaced.

didn't happen, things went smoothly.

Lots of people would like to make a couple hundred thousand a year. What's the matter, ref's can't afford to feed their families after a 6k cut?

Latrell Sprewell would like to have a word with you.

[TDMVPDPOY]

back in the 80s when Reagan fired all the striking air traffic controllers, everyone thought that planes were gonna start fallilng out of the sky when all the ATC's were replaced.

man there is demand for that, but its hard to get a job in that field...

[DPG21920]

Bottom line, this is not good for the league and they are quarreling over peanuts. Makes no sense.

[TDMVPDPOY]

dunno why they complaining when stern can just easily replace them with D-LEAGUE recreational refs who want to make it to the big league....

[Bender]

Bottom line, this is not good for the league and they are quarreling over peanuts. Makes no sense.

I don't have any sympathy for the ref's. They should be thankful they make so much money, and have such big benefits and retirement packages.
I don't know how many here are old enough to remember the air traffic controller strike, but there was no public sympathy for them back then. Hopefully there won't be any for the refs either.

[DPG21920]

I think the refs are being foolish. But there are so many things bad for the league right now:

1) The quality and credibility of the league is in question.
2) There is no trust between the fans and the refs.
3) There is no trust between the league and the refs and now vice versa.
4) The NBA has a huge CBA negotiation going on with the players
5) Many of the owners are unhappy with revenues

This is just another silly little problem to add to the plate, especially when the demands seem more than reasonable.

[Seventyniner]

I forgot who said this, but I read somewhere that this could be Stern sending a message to the players' union that he's willing to play hardball.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

I think the refs are being foolish. But there are so many things bad for the league right now:

1) The quality and credibility of the league is in question.
2) There is no trust between the fans and the refs.
3) There is no trust between the league and the refs and now vice versa.
4) The NBA has a huge CBA negotiation going on with the players
5) Many of the owners are unhappy with revenues

This is just another silly little problem to add to the plate, especially when the demands seem more than reasonable.

1. been that way
2. been that way
3. been that way
4. has happened before and will happen no matter what the outcome with the refs
5. been that way and will always be that way

[DPG21920]

1. been that way
2. been that way
3. been that way
4. has happened before and will happen no matter what the outcome with the refs
5. been that way and will always be that way

No, never before has the NBA had the "Tim Donaghy" scandal. Fans might always complain about refs, but there are actually legit trust issues now.

There could be a lockout on the horizon with the players as well and that does not bode well for the league, although I have read nothing that indicates this might happen. Just that it could. Point is, it is another problem added to the already complex problems facing the league.

[DPG21920]

Also, baseline bum made an excellent point. I don't care who's fault it is (although I think it is the refs), "they" are ruining what could be one of the best seasons in a long time.

There are so many top heavy teams that are unbelievably talented and stacked:

1) Spurs - Parker, Ginobili, Jefferson, Duncan, McDyess
2) Lakers - Fisher, Kobe, Artest, Odom, Gasol
3) Mavs - Kidd, Howard, Marion, Dirk, Dampier
4) Celtics - Rondo, Allen, Pierce, Garnett, Rasheed
5) Orlando - Nelson, Carter, Lewis, Bass, Howard
6) Cavs - Williams, West, Lebron, Varejao, Shaq

Those are fantasy rosters. I would hate for some truly terrible officiating to ruin what could be an amazing year for the league.

[phyzik]

1. I think this is stupid on the part of the NBA. Yeah, the refs suck, but they are still the most highly qualified.

2. The way it should be done is let the refs sign again but infuse some youth and use the elders to train the youngins to phase out the old. I dont want to see a 75 yr old ref running down the court. Age definately needs to be addressed regardless of your personal view point.

[pjjrfan]

If there's a lockout, all of you guys complaining about NBA refs are going to find out what truly sucky refereeing is.

yeah that could be, but these temps will have an excuse, they are just starting. If they call palming and travels like they should they would certainly be an improvement.