The Spurs are now 0-2, in the second round, this post-season with Joey Crawford acting as ref. Funny how both games took place in New Orleans.
“An NBA spokesperson said executive vice-president for basketball operations Stu Jackson confirmed that Popovich’s interpretation of the rule about foul line access was correct, but that Crawford was within his rights to make a judgment call that players from both teams had contributed to the delay of the game. “
So Popovich was correct about the rule, but Crawford can retaliate against the Spurs any way he sees fit?
Crawford as some may recall was suspended for the balance of the season and playoffs last year after a poorly called game against the Spurs.
He’s a horrible ref as we’ve discussed on this site before.
The NBA really needs to base their officiating staff on a persons qualifications and not on how long they’ve been in the league. Ref’s like Crawford, Javie, Delaney, Rush, and Bavetta have become household names. At the expense of the game.
By Bill Ingram
for HOOPSWORLD.com
Jul 11, 2007, 23:38
A flurry of publicity surrounded the suspension of NBA referee following a showdown with San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan. It was with much less fanfare that Crawford was reinstated.
Basketball News has learned that NBA Commissioner David Stern, satisfied that Crawford has learned his lesson, has reinstated one of the NBA’s most respected referees.
Crawford was suspended for the season after he had words with Duncan and then ejected him during an emotionally-charged game in Dallas against the Mavericks. Duncan was fined $25,000 for his part in the incident.
“Especially in light of similar prior acts by this official, a significant suspension is warranted,” Stern said at the time. “Although Joey is consistently rated as one of our top referees, he must be held accountable for his actions on the floor, and we will have further discussions with him following the season to be sure he understands his responsibilities.”
Now an agreement has been reached, and Crawford will once again patrol the NBA hardwoods.
SAN ANTONIO — On Wednesday, Spurs center Fabricio Oberto felt abnormal sensations in his chest. After seeing a cardiologist it was determined to be a heart arrhythmia which is believed to have been caused by minor trauma to the chest (which occurred in the Spurs-Mavericks game on Sunday).
This evening Oberto underwent a procedure which restored his heart to its normal rhythm. He is in stable condition and returned home after the procedure.
He will be monitored the next few days and is expected to play in the Spurs’ first round series against Denver. Oberto averaged 4.4 points and 4.4 rebounds for San Antonio this season.
The Question is… Did Mavericks player Josh Howard’s knee to Oberto’s chest cause the injury?
“Joey Crawford’s handling of this situation failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees,” said Stern. “Especially in light of similar prior acts by this official, a significant suspension is warranted. Although Joey is consistently rated as one of our top referees, he must be held accountable for his actions on the floor, and we will have further discussions with him following the season to be sure he understands his responsibilities.”
Is there any doubt that Joey Crawford stepped over the line? I don’t believe there is anymore! I’ve heard Joey Crawford described as one of the best; you’ve got to kidding me. If this is the best the NBA has to offer then this must explain a website like NBARefsSuck.com. Joey Crawford is a hot head who has taken his authority too far. I’m not sure Tim Duncan was correct when he said Crawford was looking for camera time but Crawford did believe he was more important to the game than the players. It’s just my opinion but Joey Crawford is an idiot and saying he is one of the best only diminishes the NBA and justifies our website! He may have been a good official at some point but as soon as he started letting his own emotions get in the way of calling the game he lost all crediablity!
I’ve heard some say that this was a meaningless game but this game had potential to be the deciding factor for the Western Conference second seed and home court. Crawford all but guarantied Phoenix the spot, especially since Phoenix lost to Houston.
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