NBA Ref Joey Crawford Suspended!!!

[Danny White]

From ESPN chat with David Stern...

Buzzmaster: (1:34 PM ET ) Breaking news! Joey Crawford has been suspended indefinitely. From David Stern's statement: "Joey Crawford's handling of this situation failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees," said Stern. "Especially in light of similar prior acts by this official, a significant suspension is warranted. Although Joey is consistently rated as one of our top referees, he must be held accountable for his actions on the floor, and we will have further discussions with him following the season to be sure he understands his responsibilities."

 

[Danny White]

Apparently he'll miss the entire playoffs.

 

[peplaw06]

Good. No place in the playoffs for a ref who thinks he's the most important guy on the floor.

 

[Danny White]

Good. No place in the playoffs for a ref who thinks he's the most important guy on the floor.

Yep... and there are a couple more right in the same boat with him.

Big difference was, he seemed to have a direct beef with one guy, and there's no way the commish could let that be a distraction to the playoffs.

Quite honestly, I'm surprised they just didn't put him in the East to avoid a Spurs matchup.

But it looks like Stern was fed up with his past antics as well and wanted to send a message.

I wonder if Duncan is going to get any kind of fine for his comments?

 

[WoodysGirl]

Travis Vienna, Va.: Amen. What Joey Crawford did was ridculous. Vidoe evidence showed Tim Duncan did nothing wrong. NBA got this one right.


Ryan (Wooster, OH): It's good to see justice is served. I have a problem with any officials that think the game is about them, and not about what the players are doing ON THE FLOOR.

Buzzmaster: David Stern is here!

David Stern: Hello everyone. We are not getting any satisfaction out of this. Crawford is always one of our highest rated officials. We just did what we had to do.


Peter, Chicago: Why are all the good teams in the West?

David Stern: It's because the teams with the better records are in the West. Those top 4 seeds are four very tough teams. The interconference record is very much in favor of the West this year. Doesn't mean it will always be that way, but is is right now. But last time I checked, I think the Eastern team is the champion.


Raj (Omaha): Mr. Commissioner, What will the league do to make sure that the referees do not affect the outcome of a game? Why is the league reluctant to use modern technology to assist the referees call games? Cant the teams be given a couple of challenges per game like in NFL?

David Stern: We do use it for when time is expiring and shots at the end of the period. Its been conventional wisdom that if we allow challenges the game will be slowed dramatically. We just don't have the same stoppages in play that other sports have. I think it is a fair subject to see if there is more we can do, but our competition committee has consistently rejected a comprehensive review system for all calls.


Brendon Somerfield from Saginaw, Michigan: In your opinion Mr. Stern, do you think the current draft lottery is working? and if not, do you have any ideas for what do to in place of the lottery?

David Stern: I know there has been suggestion we should unweight it a bit and I would say that is something we will look at after the season is over.


Brad (Oxford, Ohio): Don't you think that two months of playoffs takes away from the excitemnt? Why not make the first two rounds best of five?

David Stern: Actually I think part of the beauty of the playoffs is the extensive scheduling, the grueling nature of it and the need for teams to have benches that can withstand it. Based on the reaction of our fans, our playoff ratings for all games are always much higher than the regular season games. We actually like the system and will keep it the way it is.


Steven (NYC): Mr. Stern, what do you think of Roger Goodell's stance on the NFL's off-field issues? It reminds me a lot of the NBA's crackdown of drugs in the '80s

David Stern: This is a subject we all constantly look at. We have been dealing with players who have been convicted or pled with convictions and the like. I hope the NFL system is successful for them.


Kevin (Rochester, NY): Let's get to it. What do we do about the "tanking." I know the pc thing to say is that tanking does not exist, the players and coaches are trying to win, etc but it is clear to fans that follow the game closely that it does happen. I like the idea of giving the teams that miss the playoffs with the better records more ping pong balls rather than the other way around so they fight all the way to the end.

David Stern: I like a system that gives the teams that don't make the playoffs the best chance to improve. What we deal with in all sports is trying to foster competitveness, particulary for those teams that have done very poorly. But there has been a lot of comment about this year and I think it merits our going back and seeing whether the system needs some adjusting.


Mark Heath, Dayton, OH: Why can't we have a HORSE tournament during the all-star break?

David Stern: We're open to it. I think we are continually looking for different ways to showcase our players skills. One issue there is competitiveness! We might get somebody so hot they will embarass everybody else. But we will look into it.


Nathan: Milwaukee, WI: What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment since becoming commissioner in 1984?

David Stern: I think in conjunction with our players and owners we have grown the sport to a place where people thought it couldn't get. Particularly, because, as observed in the 80s comment, it has become a predominately African-American sport. But we showed in the context of sport it is about the competition and not the skin color. That makes me proud and happy for the NBA.


Jon, Arizona: Does the commish enjoy a slow bruising style such as the Spurs. Or an uptempo high scoring affair such as the Suns? Which style is healthier for the economy of the league?

David Stern: Actually, I think it is very good to have a mix. The personalities of different teams should be reflected. Its fun to watch the two styles match up against each other. It is more pleasing to many more fans to see the up-tempo high scoring games but I'm always fascinated by the matchups when one team tries to slow its up tempo opponent down or vice versa. I think having a bunch of different styles in the mix is a good idea.


Geoff (Seattle, WA): David, with the arena situation in Seattle being shut down by the legislature, what do you see happening with the team in Seattle? Where would you like to see the team, Seattle or in Oklahoma City?

David Stern: From a league perspective, we are hoping for a miracle that gets a vote accomplished. If not, things don't look very good.


Carlos (Denver): Do you think referees hold grudges/personal feelings against players and hand out technicals accordingly?

David Stern: I don't believe that. I think the speed of the action and the need to get everything done on the court that needs to get done mitigate against holding grudges or acting upon grudges.


Steve (Philly): Mr. Stern you are the best. When can we expect you to take the next step towards total earth domination and run for president?

David Stern: Cousin Steve, thanks for asking the question!


Jesse, Denver CO: I know you'll be getting a lot of questions about the Duncan/Crawford fued, can we just be done with this and focus on the playoffs?

David Stern: What Duncan/Crawford feud? I forgot already.


Justin (Toronto): Have the raptors been the surprise of the 2006/07 NBA season in your opinion?

David Stern: Yes, I would agree with that. Brian Colangelo took some calculated risks and they very much paid off on the personnel front. Sam Mitchell coached and related to the players in a way he believes in and the combination was I think successful beyond what most people expected.


Damian from Poughkeepise, New York: In your mind, who do you think is the front runner for this years league MVP?

David Stern: To the extent I think about it, I think about the players who haven't been mentioned. I think about Kobe, Tracy McGrady and Gilbert Arenas. And Tim Duncan. I think you could flip a coin and take your choice between Steve and Dirk the way it is coming down. Dirk did lead his team to the highest number of wins.


Jorge New Haven Ct: Why do you enforce a strick dress code for after the game? I mean why can't the players wear sneakers instead of dress shoes after running hard the entire game?

David Stern: I haven't hear much about the dress code. It has really become a non issue. It calles for shoes, a pair of pants and a shirt with a collar. Most all players far exceed that standard.


Jeff (Tucson, AZ): Hello Mr Stern. Just curious how much longer you see yourself as commissioner and who you would want to see takeover if the opportunity arose? Thanks

David Stern: I've been in this job 23 years and I don't plan to stay any more than another 23. The problem, Jeff, is that I've been saying for the past 15 years that I won't be around by a certain date and I keep extending it. I don't have a date in mind. The job is still great fun. Even I know it can't go on forever.


Ian (Phoenix): How disappointed are you that Gilbert Arenas is out for the playoffs? You know he was going to do something crazy.

David Stern: Actually, I'm terribly disappointed for the fans of the Wizards that both Butler and Gilbert are out of the playoffs. They both had great seasons in leading their team. It would have been fun to see that team with both of them. A little craziness in the air is not a bad thing.

Thanks for all the great questions and for being so interested. I know our game and our players will reward the fans. Thanks again!

 

[WoodysGirl]

Yep... and there are a couple more right in the same boat with him.

Big difference was, he seemed to have a direct beef with one guy, and there's no way the commish could let that be a distraction to the playoffs.

Quite honestly, I'm surprised they just didn't put him in the East to avoid a Spurs matchup.

But it looks like Stern was fed up with his past antics as well and wanted to send a message.

I wonder if Duncan is going to get any kind of fine for his comments?

I'm sure he will. Can't publicly call out the refs. It'll be 5-digits and I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't record-setting.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

I used to be a NBA fan.

The reason I quit watching it was because of the refs and the blatant way the league let them call games in order to favor the golden boy of the moment (MJ).

Was a bulls fan...BEFORE...they started winning titles. Actually was when the Pistons were winning.

But even in the middle of the bulls championship runs I got disgusted at how they would let MJ get away with anything but at the same time call ticky tack fouls on rodman or other players.

Just wore me out and have not watched more than 10-15 minutes of a NBA game since that time.

Oddly enough when I did watch a few minutes of it I saw the same thing with them letting Shaq get away with fouls while calling other players.

We can complain about the refs in football but they (from my exp) are NOWHERE near as bad as basketball and it was my belief at the time that the league encouraged giving the golden boys special treatment.

 

[WoodysGirl]

I used to be a NBA fan.

The reason I quit watching it was because of the refs and the blatant way the league let them call games in order to favor the golden boy of the moment (MJ).

Was a bulls fan...BEFORE...they started winning titles. Actually was when the Pistons were winning.

But even in the middle of the bulls championship runs I got disgusted at how they would let MJ get away with anything but at the same time call ticky tack fouls on rodman or other players.

Just wore me out and have not watched more than 10-15 minutes of a NBA game since that time.

Oddly enough when I did watch a few minutes of it I saw the same thing with them letting Shaq get away with fouls while calling other players.

We can complain about the refs in football but they (from my exp) are NOWHERE near as bad as basketball and it was my belief at the time that the league encouraged giving the golden boys special treatment.

Honestly Brain, it's really perception vs reality.

You know I'm a ref...and we could sit and watch the same game and you would still think that the refs called it unfairly, while I would see a couple no-calls and mis-calls, but won't think they affect the outcome of the game.

I can pretty much explain every call a ref makes and a fan will still think it's a bad call or call it ticky-tack. Ticky-tack or not, if it's the right call, it's the right call. If it's a missed call, it's a missed call and the ref has a responsibility to tell the coach that they missed it. Cuz it happens.

Basketball is one of those sports that relies heavily on judgment calls by the officials and they're not gonna get all of them right. If they're out of position, they're not gonna see that push off. If they're looking at something else, they're gonna miss that travel. If they're watching the ball too much, they're going to miss that moving pick.

And no matter how much they try not to, officials are gonna make mistakes. But when their ego gets in the way of a game, they should be disciplined. I have no problem with Joey getting suspended. How a ref feels about a coach or player should have no bearing on how he/she calls the game.

 

[Danny White]

I'm sure he will. Can't publicly call out the refs. It'll be 5-digits and I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't record-setting.

From the SAEX:

The NBA assessed Duncan a $25,000 fine for his derogatory comments toward Crawford.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

Honestly Brain, it's really perception vs reality.

You know I'm a ref...and we could sit and watch the same game and you would still think that the refs called it unfairly, while I would see a couple no-calls and mis-calls, but won't think they affect the outcome of the game.

I can pretty much explain every call a ref makes and a fan will still think it's a bad call or call it ticky-tack. Ticky-tack or not, if it's the right call, it's the right call. If it's a missed call, it's a missed call and the ref has a responsibility to tell the coach that they missed it. Cuz it happens.

Basketball is one of those sports that relies heavily on judgment calls by the officials and they're not gonna get all of them right. If they're out of position, they're not gonna see that push off. If they're looking at something else, they're gonna miss that travel. If they're watching the ball too much, they're going to miss that moving pick.

And no matter how much they try not to, officials are gonna make mistakes. But when their ego gets in the way of a game, they should be disciplined. I have no problem with Joey getting suspended. How a ref feels about a coach or player should have no bearing on how he/she calls the game.

Oh I can understand just not seeing a play or making an honest mistake as the game can go fast.

However I remember times when MJ would do a flagrant foul that everyone and their mama could see yet if rodman just stared at a guy they would give the worm a T.

Now I know rodman had established a short leash due to antics so that is one thing...but to literally just stare at a guy and get a T or kicked out.

No...no way no how.

It was clear the NBA had a love affair with Jordan and it trickled down to the refs.

Plus you have to remember I have been watching football MANY more years than basketball and have seen some bad calls but it never got to the point where I refused to watch football. It did get to that point with basketball.

 

[Rampage]

looks like duncan's whining finally did something for him

 

[Doomsday]

I think a HORSE tournament during the All Star break would be pretty cool, I would definately watch.

 

[Maikeru-sama]

looks like duncan's whining finally did something for him

Yep.

I told you all he was in "Playoff Form" .

- Mike G.

 

[Concord]

I watched the HBO Real Sports special about him and his brother and Dad.

He seemed pretty full of himself and it doesn't surprise me that he acted the way he did to Duncan.

I say good for the NBA...He got what he deserved.

Though I don't watch the NBA anymore really.

After these guys where gone...It wasn't the same for me.

My all time Favorite...The DR. Met him and had my pic taken with him...Very nice guy.

 

[Rampage]

Yep.

I told you all he was in "Playoff Form" .

- Mike G.

:laugh2: that made my day

 

[SA_Gunslinger]

looks like duncan's whining finally did something for him

oh PLEASE.

i don't care how much you hate the spurs, joey crawford was wrong, and david stern just solidified it.

 

[peplaw06]

Yep... and there are a couple more right in the same boat with him.

Big difference was, he seemed to have a direct beef with one guy, and there's no way the commish could let that be a distraction to the playoffs.

Quite honestly, I'm surprised they just didn't put him in the East to avoid a Spurs matchup.

But it looks like Stern was fed up with his past antics as well and wanted to send a message.

I wonder if Duncan is going to get any kind of fine for his comments?

Not to nitpick, but the Mavs have been on his bad side before. Nellie and Dell got ejected by him in the playoffs in '03 IIRC.

 

[Rampage]

Yep... and there are a couple more right in the same boat with him.

Big difference was, he seemed to have a direct beef with one guy, and there's no way the commish could let that be a distraction to the playoffs.

Quite honestly, I'm surprised they just didn't put him in the East to avoid a Spurs matchup.

But it looks like Stern was fed up with his past antics as well and wanted to send a message.

I wonder if Duncan is going to get any kind of fine for his comments?

duncan got fined 25k

 

[Mavs Man]

Joey Crawford -

"HA HA!"

 

[Mavs Man]

I think a HORSE tournament during the All Star break would be pretty cool, I would definately watch.

That would be awesome. I really think they need to ditch the slam dump competition and spice things up again.




And I don't mean Pac Man.