I am a certified HS official, obviously much different then the NBA, but for me, it's completely inappropriate for me to talk to the players and it's inappropriate for them to have conversations with me.
This is a fantastic point, MBz. The sad part is that the league sees all of these problems and addresses them with symbolism over substance.
Remember when the directive came forth that flopping was going to be addressed?? LOL
Remember when the directive came forth that players arguing calls was going to be addressed?? LOL
The league sees the real problems and addresses them with lip service.
The fans see the profane interractions on the court and follow the example of the players and coaches. Heckling the same stuff they're hearing...Occasionally, a player....Both hardened and arrogant from engaging in the language constantly, responds to a fan.
It starts from the top. If Stern and the NBA compromises their integrity with this obvious directive to officiate to keep stars on the court at any cost, frustration will continue to trickle down. The two calls I saw last night were more appropriate in a Globetrotters-Generals game. By not addressing player/coach/official interractions, Stern is essentially putting his officials in the line of fire of the players, coaches, and fans. The fans see the interraction and follow suit. Stern is essentially sanctioning what Noah and Bryant said by not controlling the discourse on the court...And then acting exhasperated when it happens.
Bingo. Let's face it, the only reason Kobe got fined is because they caught him on camera. Had the referee just reported it to Stern after, nothing would have happened. Noah is a different story because that was at a fan. Stern is a joke, they need a complete overhaul up top. If everyone doesn't go then the problems are just going to continue happening. Stern leaves, Stern's right hand man steps in and will just continue to do the same things. I would just like to see more accountability out of these players on the court. These guys shouldn't be allowed to argue calls, that's the coach's job. I like how baseball umpires do it, you start arguing, they give you a warning, you keep arguing, you're ejected see ya later. They just let these guys get away with too much today. I mean I'm only 24, maybe someone a little older can help, how was it during the 70's and 80s, did players interact with the officials as much as today?
