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Ask the CEO - NBA Refs

July 25, 2007 - American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release


Question (from many, consolidated): "What do you think of the NBA referee scandal?"

Answer: Thank you for the questions. I'm not sure why so many of you have written to me about this. It is an NBA matter. And I believe that David Stern and the NBA will handle it properly. However, sportswriters, sportscasters and others have certainly used this issue to state their opinions - and in most cases, take hard shots at the NBA, which, in my opinion, are not deserved. So here goes.

I saw a Commentary in USA Today that said, among other things..."but even more troubling for a league (NBA) whose foundation begins to look more like the San Andreas Fault....The Hoops House that David built hasn't crumbled...violation of public trust, etc..." Not fair. Not fair to the NBA, to David Stern and to the referees and officials of the NBA, who are quality people of the highest integrity. One bad apple doesn't mean that there is even one more bad apple.

There are bad cops, bad judges, bad lawyers, bad doctors, bad restaurant owners, and yes, even bad sportswriters and sportscasters. But these are no reflection on the thousands of others doing the same jobs - sincere, hardworking, dedicated and honest people. The ABA's position: We believe strongly in the integrity of the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, NCAA and the other leagues and their officials and they have our unqualified support.

The action of one referee is no more symbolic of referees than one NFL quarterback is symbolic of all NFL quarterbacks or one NBA player is symbolic of all NBA players. We do not condone what Tim Donaghy did. We do not condone any betting by officials. But to imply that "he represented a deeper, more sinister underground NBA zebras who supply information to bookmakers and wanna-be wise guys" is irresponsible journalism.

To say that David Stern's "words are too cavalier for a man of his authority" shows a lack of understanding of David Stern and the quality of the league and the man. There is no better person than David Stern in professional sports to work through this issue and to maintain the integrity of professional sports. And that's my answer. If you have questions, email conniejoenewman@aol.com.

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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American Basketball Association Stories from July 25, 2007


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.


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