Truth & Rumors > NBA
Bavetta back in NBA spotlight
The N.B.A.'s officiating controversy crept back into the finals on Sunday, before the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers ever took the court. Dick Bavetta, who was a subject of inquiries by federal agents last summer, was the lead referee for Game 5 at Staples Center. The assignment of Bavetta was certain to fuel suspicion by the conspiracy-minded. In a recent court filing, Bavetta was indirectly labeled a "company man" by Tim Donaghy , the disgraced former referee. Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said he hoped that the N.B.A.'s internal investigation into officiating, which will be released after Donaghy is sentenced, would clear the air. "We hope that the summer brings some things around that will just cool this off," Jackson said, "and we can have some confidence again with the public about our refereeing situation."
Jack Nicholson, Dick Bavetta, AP
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Comments (11) Add A Comment
Bavetta is ancient, and he is the most respected referee. Donaghy really doesn't have a leg to stand on...that being said this series will be over on Tuesday when the stop calling that weak "reaching in" crap on all of Boston's bigs. Last time I checked the hand is part of the ball.
KCMAC929
Minneapolis, MN
Total Comments (757)
This guy misses EVER block/charge call. I know it is the most difficult call to make in basketball but he is NEVER in position to make the call. Remember, the Chuck Wagon out ran him. Why is he still in the league.
A basketball ref has to see a play and make a judgment call almost immediately. I just don't believe Dick can see a play process it and make the right call at his age. You don't see players playing at 50 years old.
SoFlaBoy
Lake Worth , FL
Total Comments (1787)
More evidence that Stern is a moron and liar. First, he claims that Donaghy was the only ref being investigated. Now, he admits that Bavetta is also under investigation, but only after one of the ex-refs spills the beans to the press. Why hasn't this jerk been fired from the WWNBA?
Rich Morgan
Ellington , CT
Total Comments (363)
The "Arranger" strikes again.
pencilneckgeek
Total Comments (252)
David Stern is an idiot. If there is any question at all about Bavetta, he should be placed on a paid administrative leave until any questions have been thorougly investigated. The very last thing the league needs is for improprieties to be discovered AFTER he works the playoffs.
Hllywd: Old…
Columbus , OH
Total Comments (7806)
eh
Texasmade
Total Comments (1460)
That picture of Bavetta and Nicholson together makes me think og Jurassic Park. Which one is older?
George W. Watson
Total Comments (2492)
David Stern is an idiot. If there is any question at all about Bavetta, he should be placed on a paid administrative leave until any questions have been thorougly investigated. The very last thing the league needs is for improprieties to be discovered AFTER he works the playoffs.
Hllywd
Completely agree. Probably Stern was thinking the same way - just oppositely. It would look bad for Bavetta **not** to ref, an admission of guilt in fact. Stern can say: "well, nothing was official." Stern is MR. STOOPID DE LUXE.
George W. Watson
Total Comments (2492)
I remember a line from a movie that went something like this:
Nobody...and I mean nobody...tells Stern what to do!
He's the Godfather and it's his game. Unless you live by his rules and kiss his ring, you get nowhere.
ToM
Total Comments (215)
The NBA is so fixed, Vince McMahon should be the commisioner.
nate2709
Beverly Hills , CA
Total Comments (970)
There should be some makeup put on Bavetta if he's going to be in the spotlight - he looks a little ruff !!!
Mike C. 1927
Total Comments (4753)
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