Lance Allan: Sports Glance with Lance
Kobe Gets the Call
The Star System Still Alive and Well In David Stern's World
Warning: this will come off sounding as a homer ranting, pom-pon waving tangent.
But so be it. I'm willing to take that risk, because what the Bucks fans saw at the Bradley Center Wednesday night just wasn't right, and someone has to stand up and say something about it.
I don't want to believe in the Tim Donaghy rumors. I'm not a conspiracy theorist. But every time a star gets a call late in a game like this, it just adds fuel to the fire. And quite frankly, in David Stern's world...he's the emporer without clothes, and he just doesn't care. Just ask the good folks that supported the Seattle Sonics for all those years. Outposts don't matter, as long as the big stars are protected.
Let's set the scenario. Seconds left, it's 106-102. Kobe Bryant drives the lane. Andrew Bogut set, both feet firmly planted outside of the arc. Whistle blows, basket goes in.
First quarter, second quarter, third quarter, fourth quarter...Bogut gets that call. Down 4 in overtime, refs look at each other...and determine that it's an and one for Kobe.
Excuse me? Now I've seen bad calls before. This was a judgement call. But clearly the star system is still alive and well in the NBA. I like how the Bucks poured out their hearts in this game. And I love watching them this year. But quite frankly, this situation is why a number of my friends feel a strong disconnect with the NBA game, and prefer the college game instead.
I don't want to become that cynical person. And while the refs involved in this decision are not Tim Donaghy, it sure doesn't give Commissioner Stern any right to be condescending to any media person or fan who brings up this issue. An issue that needs to be dealt with by someone who believes in fair play rather than a star system.
Agree or disagree? Emails welcome at lallan@todaystmj4.com
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