ABA comments on NBA incident
Published on November 21, 2004 under American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release
Indianapolis, IN. As CEO of the ABA, it was not surprising that I would receive dozens and dozens of phone calls and emails following the incident involving the Detroit and Indiana teams and Detroit fans on Friday night. Like you, I have watched the news and sports networks' coverage as well as newspaper coverage across the nation. It would be impossible for me to answer every call and email, so I thought I would put the ABA's prospective on the website (though these opinions are mine).
The real problems in the world today include Iraq, terrorism, the Mideast, nuclear buildups in Iran and North Korea, the Sudan, aids, hunger, health care, etc. Problems with teams and fans in professional sports are not among the real problems facing us. The NBA is a quality league playing well over 1000 games a year without incidents as does major league baseball, football or hockey. What happened Friday night was an isolated incident that got out of hand. Period. The fans of Detroit's teams - the Red Wings, Tigers, Lions and Pistons are among the finest in the world of sports and have been for years. The ownership and management of the Detroit teams are excellent, always have been. The same thing holds true for the Indiana Pacers. A great organization, a great management and a great team. All of the players on both teams (including those suspended) are decent, law-abiding, honest, hardworking and talented young men. The incident on Friday was an abberation. Period. The world of professional sports does not have to make a major change or adjustment; it does not need a critical examination from its foundation as so many are suggesting.
The games played throughout the NBA that preceded Friday's game and the games that were played on Saturday were played well; the fans behaved well. And the NBA, the Pistons and the Pacers can be proud of the way they have conducted themselves in this matter. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries and nother more serious than a few split lips, black eyes and bruised egos. In both Indianapolis and Detroit, there were more dangerous places to be Friday night than at the game.
While walking my dog Sophie this morning, I was doing some mathmatics - the number of NFL games times the number of fans who attend; the number of MLB games times the number of fans who attend; the number of NBA games times the number of fans who attend - and it came out to millions of fans, very good, well behaved fans - parents and their children - thrilled with the opportunity to see great athletes in action. These millions of fans represent the fans of America, not the few who got carried away Friday night. And the same holds true for the rosters of the NBA, NFL and MLB teams, several thousand great athletes who give 100% every game for the fans who attend. These athletes represent the professional game. And they are among our best citizens too with their efforts of the court or field (including those suspended) for the tremendous impact they make in their communities through their not-for-profit foundations, mentoring, United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, libraries, churches, schools and other civic responsibilities.
Botton line. Press and media. Friday's over. Let's get on with the good. The NBA sets high standards for professional sports and athletes and will do what's right. They, like the NFL, NHL, MLB have in the past. They will now. And let's focus again on the good - and also, the real problems that face us as a nation.
Joe Newman, ABA CEO
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
