Excerpts From The Book The NBA Doesn't Want You To Read
#1
TMS Post # 1,000,000
Serbian Steamer
Serbian Steamer
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: January 30, 2004
Location: Wisconsin / Serbia
Posts: 12,630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Excerpts From The Book The NBA Doesn't Want You To Read
http://deadspin.com/5392067/excerpts...yline=true&s=x
Long, but very interesting, read.
My favorite part:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XmeA5VmhX4
Long, but very interesting, read.
My favorite part:
The 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings presents a stunning example of game and series manipulation at its ugliest. As the teams prepared for Game 6 at the Staples Center, Sacramento had a 3–2 lead in the series. The referees assigned to work Game 6 were Dick Bavetta, Bob Delaney, and Ted Bernhardt. As soon as the referees for the game were chosen, the rest of us knew immediately that there would be a Game 7. A prolonged series was good for the league, good for the networks, and good for the game. Oh, and one more thing: it was great for the big-market, star-studded Los Angeles Lakers.
In the pregame meeting prior to Game 6, the league office sent down word that certain calls — calls that would have benefitted the Lakers — were being missed by the referees. This was the type of not-so-subtle information that I and other referees were left to interpret. After receiving the dispatch, Bavetta openly talked about the fact that the league wanted a Game 7.
"If we give the benefit of the calls to the team that's down in the series, nobody's going to complain. The series will be even at three apiece, and then the better team can win Game 7," Bavetta stated.
As history shows, Sacramento lost Game 6 in a wild come-from-behind thriller that saw the Lakers repeatedly sent to the foul line by the referees. For other NBA referees watching the game on television, it was a shameful performance by Bavetta's crew, one of the most poorly officiated games of all time.
In the pregame meeting prior to Game 6, the league office sent down word that certain calls — calls that would have benefitted the Lakers — were being missed by the referees. This was the type of not-so-subtle information that I and other referees were left to interpret. After receiving the dispatch, Bavetta openly talked about the fact that the league wanted a Game 7.
"If we give the benefit of the calls to the team that's down in the series, nobody's going to complain. The series will be even at three apiece, and then the better team can win Game 7," Bavetta stated.
As history shows, Sacramento lost Game 6 in a wild come-from-behind thriller that saw the Lakers repeatedly sent to the foul line by the referees. For other NBA referees watching the game on television, it was a shameful performance by Bavetta's crew, one of the most poorly officiated games of all time.
Last edited by Zastava_101; 10/31/09 at 07:44 AM.
#2
I absolutely believe this 100%. You could see it happen with your own eyes. This just puts it in words too.
This is why I no longer watch the NBA, and I'm beginning to grow concerned about the NFL and the preferential treatment the Steelers get. It happened again against Minnesota just last weekend. Not to mention Superbowl XL.
This is why I no longer watch the NBA, and I'm beginning to grow concerned about the NFL and the preferential treatment the Steelers get. It happened again against Minnesota just last weekend. Not to mention Superbowl XL.
#3
MOTM Committee Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
While you're at it might as well add the MLB (blatent pro-yankees this playoffs) to that list. And NASCAR, and pretty much every major sports organization in the world.
There are questionable calls all the time, in every sport. In my estimation the better team usually wins anyway (an exception would be when the mavs lost to the heat a few years back). But don't act like this is just an NBA thing, or just a Lakers thing. I've seen them get screwed over just as many times (if not more) as they've received the benefit.
Case in point, in that same series Kobe was blatantly fouled at the end of game 5 going for a game winner and there was no call. Don't blame it on the refs that the Kings pissed away that series. Even in game 7 they blew it and choked all on their own. I still laugh remembering Christie's threes hitting nothing but backboard haha
There are questionable calls all the time, in every sport. In my estimation the better team usually wins anyway (an exception would be when the mavs lost to the heat a few years back). But don't act like this is just an NBA thing, or just a Lakers thing. I've seen them get screwed over just as many times (if not more) as they've received the benefit.
Case in point, in that same series Kobe was blatantly fouled at the end of game 5 going for a game winner and there was no call. Don't blame it on the refs that the Kings pissed away that series. Even in game 7 they blew it and choked all on their own. I still laugh remembering Christie's threes hitting nothing but backboard haha
#4
AKA 1 BULLITT------------ Legacy TMS Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Fixing games is nothing new, tracing back to the sixties when the Olympics got into the act.
Professional leagues want their top stars in championship games. Transalation: more revenue. Sometimes I wonder how much attitudes and show boating by the players is encouraged and endorsed by league officials, just as they did with steroids or at the very least they turned a blind eye which is one and the same.
Cheating, lying, and stealing has become more acceptable by society as it become more progressive.
Professional leagues want their top stars in championship games. Transalation: more revenue. Sometimes I wonder how much attitudes and show boating by the players is encouraged and endorsed by league officials, just as they did with steroids or at the very least they turned a blind eye which is one and the same.
Cheating, lying, and stealing has become more acceptable by society as it become more progressive.
#6
TMS Post # 1,000,000
Serbian Steamer
Serbian Steamer
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: January 30, 2004
Location: Wisconsin / Serbia
Posts: 12,630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Case in point, in that same series Kobe was blatantly fouled at the end of game 5 going for a game winner and there was no call. Don't blame it on the refs that the Kings pissed away that series. Even in game 7 they blew it and choked all on their own. I still laugh remembering Christie's threes hitting nothing but backboard haha
Everyone knows that Game 6 was fixed. Like I said it before, David Stern did not want guys like Stojakovic, Pollard and Turkoglu to play finals instead of superstars like Bryant and O'Neal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhlGYvIMPgQ
#7
![Panic](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/panic.gif)
![Panic](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/panic.gif)
NBA is fixed
NASCAR hates FMC
Etc.
Etc.
So . . . when are the Cubs going to win a World Series?!
I wish I knew in advance who would win some of these sporting events . . . . wouldn't mind making a few extra bucks in Vegas.
![Biggrinjester](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrinjester.gif)
#9
TMS Post # 1,000,000
Serbian Steamer
Serbian Steamer
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: January 30, 2004
Location: Wisconsin / Serbia
Posts: 12,630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And it's all a common sense - whoever brings in the most money has special privileges. It's always been like that in every sport.
Last edited by Zastava_101; 11/1/09 at 09:11 PM.
#10
MOTM Committee Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Oh please tell me you're kidding ...
Again - please tell me you're kidding. You're mentioning pulling Bryant's jersey, but you won't mention that in that same game O'Neal broke Bobby Jackson's arm and didn't even get a foul.
Everyone knows that Game 6 was fixed. Like I said it before, David Stern did not want guys like Stojakovic, Pollard and Turkoglu to play finals instead of superstars like Bryant and O'Neal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhlGYvIMPgQ
Again - please tell me you're kidding. You're mentioning pulling Bryant's jersey, but you won't mention that in that same game O'Neal broke Bobby Jackson's arm and didn't even get a foul.
Everyone knows that Game 6 was fixed. Like I said it before, David Stern did not want guys like Stojakovic, Pollard and Turkoglu to play finals instead of superstars like Bryant and O'Neal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhlGYvIMPgQ
Don't think so, Lebron in New York would do a lot more for the NBA
#12
Shelby GT500 Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Join Date: April 13, 2006
Location: McAllen, Texas
Posts: 2,752
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#13
TMS Post # 1,000,000
Serbian Steamer
Serbian Steamer
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: January 30, 2004
Location: Wisconsin / Serbia
Posts: 12,630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#14
MOTM Committee Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Secondly, if you're going to fix a game, why wait until the Lakers are down big in the 4th to start calling fouls???
Third, take a look at this excerpt from an article written by Charley Rosen of Fox Sorts today
Also, much is (and has been) made of the poor officiating during Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals between the Lakers and the Kings in 2002. However, except for saddling a team's star players with early fouls, refs really cannot exert total control over ball games. That's because players still have to make plays. Also, in the Lakers' dramatic comeback win, Sacramento could easily have won if Chris "Mister Choke" Webber had converted the several 5-foot, uncontested jump hooks he attempted in the endgame.
Just like I said the Kings choked.
Lastly, you and I have been arguing this since this forum first began (before the '05s were even debuted). When are you going to give this a rest lol? The were not and probably never will be the better team...sorry
#15
TMS Post # 1,000,000
Serbian Steamer
Serbian Steamer
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: January 30, 2004
Location: Wisconsin / Serbia
Posts: 12,630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just do me a favor and take a look at this and tell me how exactly is this foul on Bibby.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6rtMtdT-rs
This is the play with 12 seconds left that decided the winner of Game 6.
When will I let it go? When Stern is in prison for fixing games or at least Bavetta. If Donaghy is in prison right now for fixing games, why the hell Bavetta isn't?
I wonder how much did Stern pay to Triumph Books not to publish Donaghy's book ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6rtMtdT-rs
This is the play with 12 seconds left that decided the winner of Game 6.
When will I let it go? When Stern is in prison for fixing games or at least Bavetta. If Donaghy is in prison right now for fixing games, why the hell Bavetta isn't?
I wonder how much did Stern pay to Triumph Books not to publish Donaghy's book ...
#16
MOTM Committee Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Just do me a favor and take a look at this and tell me how exactly is this foul on Bibby.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6rtMtdT-rs
This is the play with 12 seconds left that decided the winner of Game 6.
When will I let it go? When Stern is in prison for fixing games or at least Bavetta. If Donaghy is in prison right now for fixing games, why the hell Bavetta isn't?
I wonder how much did Stern pay to Triumph Books not to publish Donaghy's book ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6rtMtdT-rs
This is the play with 12 seconds left that decided the winner of Game 6.
When will I let it go? When Stern is in prison for fixing games or at least Bavetta. If Donaghy is in prison right now for fixing games, why the hell Bavetta isn't?
I wonder how much did Stern pay to Triumph Books not to publish Donaghy's book ...
Like I said though bad calls/non-calls happen all the timem, I'm not arguing that. My only problem is it seems like you're always attacking the Lakers like they had something to do with it. If Stern is fixing things, that's one thing, but if the teams are fixing games that's an entirely different issue
#17
TMS Post # 1,000,000
Serbian Steamer
Serbian Steamer
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: January 30, 2004
Location: Wisconsin / Serbia
Posts: 12,630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I never said that Lakers were fixing games, but refs are and Lakers gets more help than anyone else. Because they're a popular team, because they have Kobe and because people like to watch them. Lakers won Game 7 fair, no issues there, but Game 6 was a deciding game. Kings were up 3:2 and on their way to NBA finals. Refs make sure that didn't happen because people would rather watch Shaq and Kobe in the finals instead of Stojakovic and Turkoglu. No fault of Lakers.
I pretty much stopped following NBA after that game 6. It's just not fun anymore. I still watch it sometimes, but only when two crappy teams play (like Memphis - LA Clippers). No big stars there.
I pretty much stopped following NBA after that game 6. It's just not fun anymore. I still watch it sometimes, but only when two crappy teams play (like Memphis - LA Clippers). No big stars there.
#18
MOTM Committee Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
I never said that Lakers were fixing games, but refs are and Lakers gets more help than anyone else. Because they're a popular team, because they have Kobe and because people like to watch them. Lakers won Game 7 fair, no issues there, but Game 6 was a deciding game. Kings were up 3:2 and on their way to NBA finals. Refs make sure that didn't happen because people would rather watch Shaq and Kobe in the finals instead of Stojakovic and Turkoglu. No fault of Lakers.
I pretty much stopped following NBA after that game 6. It's just not fun anymore. I still watch it sometimes, but only when two crappy teams play (like Memphis - LA Clippers). No big stars there.
I pretty much stopped following NBA after that game 6. It's just not fun anymore. I still watch it sometimes, but only when two crappy teams play (like Memphis - LA Clippers). No big stars there.
#20
MOTM Committee Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
And in that vid, if they called a hold on bibby then that is correct. Bibby did get hit, but he was already holding. Also, remember the offensive player is entitled to his space.