Why is NBA commissioner David Stern so upset about criticizing the officials?
Stern laid down the law during a news conference in Oklahoma City on Thursday night, saying more stringent punishments will be assessed coaches and players who continue to criticize the referees. However, it would not be an issue if the officials did not open themselves up to it. Veteran ref Bennett Salvatore made a ridiculous offensive foul call on Boston point guard Rajon Rondo in the open court on a play in which Wade obviously initiated contact and even more obviously flopped, wiping out a fast-break basket by Allen. A minute later, Boston’s Kendrick Perkins got manhandled in the paint and Salvatore looked the other way. Granted, the coaches oftentimes are attempting to gain an edge in the court of public opinion. But if there some semblance of consistency, the topic would not even be an issue.
