OT NBA discussion for the slowest sports day of the year

by Jerry Mumphrey on Jul 16, 2008 1:04 PM CDT

OK so the latest news from the NBA ref scandal is that we now basically have proof that referee Scott Foster is crooked based on phone records showing a pattern of phone calls between he and Donaghy during the "gold rush" of 2006-2007 (134 calls lasting 1-2 mins before and after every game Donaghy was betting on). So we could all suspect that Commisioner David Stern was full of bullroar when he held his press conference to scapegoat Donaghy and assure the fans that the NBA has conducted a THOROUGH investigation along with the FBI and determined that Donaghy was acting alone as a "rogue, isolated criminal". For Stern to say that he was either stupid for not having inquired about phone records during his THOROUGH investigation, or simply lying to the fans. Obviously this was a CYA press conference and he chose to lie about the magnitude of the problem in an attempt to save the league. I hate that. It amounts to me the fan being treated like an imbecile by an arrogant millionaire. Just admit it was a farce for the last decade and scrap the whole system so you can start over. Someone needs to kick this guy out of his office. Anyway where we're at now is SCOTT FOSTER IS STILL EMPLOYED BY THE LEAGUE!!!!! How can this go on? The guy is already guilty in the court of public opinion. What idiot can seriously watch the NBA with their refusal to restore any credibility to the sport? I guess they want us to forget about the whole thing so they don't have to disgrace any more crooked refs? And Dick Bavetta, the company man, has just as much dirt on him and they won't can him either? That league ought to get sued over this for their misrepresentation every step of the way. I'm angry because I feel insulted by the whole current state of affairs. The fans would simply have to be stupid to believe that the referees are among the elite of there profession and that's how Bavetta and Foster continue to be represented.

Here's a good link on the subject: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/2008/07/14/20080714p2main0715.html

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08

by Fukudometer on Jul 16, 2008 1:41 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

David Stern the overlord of the NBA is in some trouble here

He thinks he can make this go away, but it won’t. I am one of the few who love watching NBA games, and if Stern thinks he can keep casual fans watching despite this scandal he is wrong.

Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs

by nji232 on Jul 16, 2008 3:00 PM CDT reply actions

Youtube..

Donaghy and you’ll find a couple nice montages of odd calls…one whole set devoted to the Phoenix-SA game 3, which Bill Simmons called “the most atrociously refereed game in history.” Not that I’m a Simmons fan, but he had zero allegiance and still could not watch the game.

The problem with basketball is how many different things are involved. Take the Sacramento-LA series when the Kings hit their prime…I think it was game 5 or 6 that was the absolute WORST called game I have ever seen. Even the announcers were speechless at times. But, at the same time, Peja was throwing up airballs and the Kings missed crucial free throws down the stretch. It’s just too difficult to look at a game and say it was rigged because refs blow calls all the time.

Free Ronny Cedeno

by Kansas25 on Jul 16, 2008 3:43 PM CDT reply actions

As for the issue itself...

and I’m stating an opinion I’ve heard elsewhere, but the officials should be run by a separate organization, and not directly run by Stern and the NBA. Great read on this whole scandal on ESPN…George Karl was interviewed and it’s a really great article on a coach’s take. Can’t find the link, but it’s worth your time if you’re interested.

Free Ronny Cedeno

by Kansas25 on Jul 16, 2008 3:45 PM CDT reply actions