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- Jul 14, 2003
The players and coaches themselves complain so much in the NBA that of course the fans are going to follow suit. It's 2010 and NBA is still the one sport where people do not know how the game is supposed to be officiated. That's what's hilarious about the league (and part of what makes it fun I guess).
I've stated before that while I do not think the NBA is "rigged" I do think the referees have some pressure from the league offices and put pressure on themselves to help push the most attractive teams forward. You would have to be a fool to think these things are played straight down the line. We've seen time and time again the TV execs say "We're hoping for a Boston/LA Finals" (or similar). Those get the highest ratings, the networks make the most profit, the league gets more dollars next go-round. The TV contracts are the lifeblood of the NBA and the owners know it. They also know what the networks want and that is the most viewers. Constantly giving them Sacramento vs. Milwaukee in the NBA Finals would allow no one to win in the end (obviously throwing those two out there). Referees are the obvious employers of the league who would have access to small things to help sway contests, without technically "throwing" the contests.
But anyway....I am not saying the L outright rigs games. However I am almost fully convinced they do nudge, or the refs themselves at least FEEL they have to nudge, knowing any way they can help major markets helps everyone. If the major markets then don't end up winning out in the end (like if the small market team is far superior and just beats them no questions asked) that's just the way it is and the NBA deals with it and hopes for next year.
I've stated before that while I do not think the NBA is "rigged" I do think the referees have some pressure from the league offices and put pressure on themselves to help push the most attractive teams forward. You would have to be a fool to think these things are played straight down the line. We've seen time and time again the TV execs say "We're hoping for a Boston/LA Finals" (or similar). Those get the highest ratings, the networks make the most profit, the league gets more dollars next go-round. The TV contracts are the lifeblood of the NBA and the owners know it. They also know what the networks want and that is the most viewers. Constantly giving them Sacramento vs. Milwaukee in the NBA Finals would allow no one to win in the end (obviously throwing those two out there). Referees are the obvious employers of the league who would have access to small things to help sway contests, without technically "throwing" the contests.
But anyway....I am not saying the L outright rigs games. However I am almost fully convinced they do nudge, or the refs themselves at least FEEL they have to nudge, knowing any way they can help major markets helps everyone. If the major markets then don't end up winning out in the end (like if the small market team is far superior and just beats them no questions asked) that's just the way it is and the NBA deals with it and hopes for next year.