OK, the NBA has had an odd relationship with its referees over the years, we know that. In fact, the Tim Donaghy story from a couple of years ago created quite a bit of mistrust between the refs, the League, the fans and the players. But, we didn't think it would quite ever come to a lockout; and more importantly the institution of "Replacement" refs. But that apparently exactly what we are staring at. The NBA has already informed the ref's union of their intent to lockout. The 2 sides, do still have until October 27th to come to an agreement.
Check out the update from cbssports.com's Ken Berger here .
((Ref Joe Crawford is trying to figure out what to do now//Photo Courtesy: phillyref.com))
We have been monitoring this story, but haven't gotten too deep into it because we didn't feel as though it would end this way. I guess we were wrong. The NBA is getting ready to begin its 10 month long season here in the next few weeks and now we...well will get to see if, well pretty much anybody can call an NBA game. Hey, I used to be a ref for the Georgia Southern Intramurals Department back in the '80's and I am looking for work...hmmmm?
I suppose that they can go back to the old Street Ball rules of "Call it yourself", though we suspect that today's NBA player wouldn't have time to catch his breath with everything that he would have to call. Let's hope, considering the economy that they resolve this, the last thing the NBA and its officials need to do right now is piss off the fan base.
Let's use this story as an excuse to post a clip from our favorite Sports Strike related movie...the Replacements (not to be confused with the rock group). By the way, has anyone seen Shane Falco lately?
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