| 01 October 2009
So here we are less than half-an-hour from the start of an experiment in undisciplined artistry as the NBA kicks-off the league's pre-season with a rumble between the Utah Jazz and Denver's Nuggets with - of course - refs who have never really made the grade. One can only imagine how the brains behind this start to a promising October decided to risk it all by standing firm on a lock-out that could lead to more than its fair share of comedy-style bloopers.
Yes, the NBA's management has made the point that the ref's union just isn't a straight shooting bunch of guys and can't be trusted when it comes to something as important as the, aah, checkbook. Sure the wallet is an important part of pro sports - after all the players are pros - and even the Olympic organizing committee isn't so strict with their amateur athletic rules anymore. (How else do you think our pros play for a gold medal in basketball?)
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But David Stern, the erstwhile NBA commissioner, should realize that his recent talk about expanding the sport to Europe will look somewhat less than visionary if the game becomes part of Comedy Central's network line-up. And it is especially tough to ask millions of dollars in player payroll to put their assets on the line when there are real questions about whether the officials can call it straight.
Hope all goes well because we surely don't need a laugh reel before the regular season even begins.
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