http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/11508539p-12420120c.html
Joe D's Countdown
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Sunday, November 21, 2004
David Stern is always trying to polish the image of the NBA, priority No. 1 as commissioner. But it's not getting any easier, and the season isn't even one month old.
The NBA's image has taken a beating with rising salaries, higher ticket prices, boorish player behavior, a looming players' lockout - and now the bruises left on the Pacers and Pistons after the melee at Detroit on Friday night, perhaps the ugliest incident in league history.
Here's a look at some of the debris that has left the commissioner with an increasingly stern expression of late:
1. Stern has spoken out about any notion of any more NBA teams relocating under his watch - the Clippers from San Diego to Los Angeles, the Kings from Kansas City to Sacramento, the Grizzlies from Vancouver to Memphis and the Hornets from Charlotte to New Orleans - as "league failures." He was in Sacramento last week to offer a stamp of approval on a new arena plan for the Kings.
2. Stern said comments by ridiculously wealthy NBA players who are practically pleading hardship for more dough were "corrosive." He was specifically talking about Minnesota's Latrell Sprewell, who will be paid more than $14 million this season, yet claimed he has a "family to feed" and needs an extension that isn't insulting. 3. The fight night at Detroit will force Stern to levy some unprecedented fines and suspensions, while the players' association likely will try to protect the athletes. And what about security? Is it time for Stern to order boards like those used in hockey?
Joe D's Countdown
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Sunday, November 21, 2004
David Stern is always trying to polish the image of the NBA, priority No. 1 as commissioner. But it's not getting any easier, and the season isn't even one month old.
The NBA's image has taken a beating with rising salaries, higher ticket prices, boorish player behavior, a looming players' lockout - and now the bruises left on the Pacers and Pistons after the melee at Detroit on Friday night, perhaps the ugliest incident in league history.
Here's a look at some of the debris that has left the commissioner with an increasingly stern expression of late:
1. Stern has spoken out about any notion of any more NBA teams relocating under his watch - the Clippers from San Diego to Los Angeles, the Kings from Kansas City to Sacramento, the Grizzlies from Vancouver to Memphis and the Hornets from Charlotte to New Orleans - as "league failures." He was in Sacramento last week to offer a stamp of approval on a new arena plan for the Kings.
2. Stern said comments by ridiculously wealthy NBA players who are practically pleading hardship for more dough were "corrosive." He was specifically talking about Minnesota's Latrell Sprewell, who will be paid more than $14 million this season, yet claimed he has a "family to feed" and needs an extension that isn't insulting. 3. The fight night at Detroit will force Stern to levy some unprecedented fines and suspensions, while the players' association likely will try to protect the athletes. And what about security? Is it time for Stern to order boards like those used in hockey?
