Derek Fisher, the president of the NBA Players Association, has released a statement condemning the possible use of replacement referees.
This is a bold move, considering the union and league are scheduled to continue negotiations on their own collective bargaining agreement later this week in New York.
"I, along with the NBPA Executive Committee, unanimously endorse the quickest possible resolution to the negotiations between the National Basketball Referees Association and the NBA," Fisher, the Lakers' point guard, said in a statement released by the players' union. "Our referees are the best in the world at what they do and they deserve to be treated fairly.
"Players throughout the league are concerned that the use of replacement referees could compromise the integrity of our games," Fisher said. "Our fans deserve the best product that we can put on the court and that includes having the best referees. Anything less is unacceptable to our union and our members."
Comments
brand111
Reputation: 98Level: Superstar Since: May 25, 2007 |
Posted on: September 22, 2009 7:54 pm
Score: 119
Fisher: Replacement refs 'unacceptable'Integrity? Derek Fisher should be drug tested immediately for that word being included in his statement. There has been very little integrity in the calling of NBA games in several years. One look at last years playoffs should give you a clue that the NBA officiating is the worst of all of professional sports. I realize that being the head of the players association that you might be compelled to address this situation, but I would have chosen my words a little more carefully. |
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NYCSportsWriter
Reputation: 81 Level: All-Star Since: Nov 24, 2008 |
Posted on: September 22, 2009 7:59 pm
Score: 60
Fisher: Replacement refs 'unacceptable'That word "integrity" jumped off the page. Unions have to back one another, but I agree that the head of the Players Association should NEVER use that word when referring to any NBA contest. |
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sner4life Level: Superstar Since: May 24, 2007 |
Posted on: September 22, 2009 8:00 pm
Score: 84
Fisher: Replacement refs 'unacceptable'Of course Fisher would say that. I mean now the refs won't be all "chummy" with the "great" players, and maybe the Bryant's, James', Lakers and prima donnas won't get all of the calls their way. Maybe real fouls will be called, some traveling, and even push offs. |
Bosh4prez
Reputation: 95Level: Superstar Since: Nov 20, 2006 |
Posted on: September 22, 2009 8:02 pm
Score: 125
Fisher: Replacement refs 'unacceptable'Youre right brand, but as it says in the article, the CBA negotiations are set to start in a couple of weeks, and Im guessing this is just a stretegic statement by the players' union to put pressure on the owners to get a fair deal done for the refs, and in turn plant the seed for their negotiations. The players union and ref's union are on the same side after all, both get their paychecks from the NBA, so this show of solidarity is no surprise to me... if anything Im wondering why it took them so long to come out with this statement, maybe D-Fish is working hard to get ready for the season and for the challenge of repeating. Lakers 2010 champs baby!!!! |
tua0384
Reputation: 62Level: Pro Since: Sep 18, 2006 |
Posted on: September 22, 2009 8:09 pm
Score: 8
Fisher: Replacement refs 'unacceptable'You really think replacement refs won't be MORE intimidated by roaring crowds, big egos and star players? |
TetonCowboy
Reputation: 97Level: Superstar Since: Feb 23, 2008 |
Posted on: September 22, 2009 8:20 pm
Score: 93
Unacceptable to who?Unacceptable to the Lakers of course. Likely very acceptable to guys like paul Milsap and others who play hard, but don't get the big market "superstar" treatment from the referees. It will be tough for the Kobe to do anything if the refs aren't protecting him. If the NBA wants to reclaim credibility, they NEED to fire most of these refs, and get refs that call the game by the rules, not by who is playing. |
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Ogyu
Reputation: 0 Level: Amateur Since: May 2, 2009 |
Posted on: September 23, 2009 4:55 pm
Score: 12
Fisher: Replacement refs 'unacceptable'I agree with Fisher that the use of replacement refs could affect the integrity of NBA games. There might actually be some integrity for a change! |
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xJRich5
Reputation: 0 Level: Amateur Since: Nov 12, 2008 |
Posted on: October 7, 2009 2:24 pm
Score: 40
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