This whole mess between the league and its refs is getting ridiculous. Now the union is telling Fanhouse that this the contentious negotiations is all about forcing older refs out.
"The NBA is trying to push out the veteran referees without violating
age discrimination laws," McMorris said. "These officials live the
game, they love the game, and the league is trying to push them out."
No one is doubting their love for the game. But I am doubting their ability to officiate the game. We're watching games with some of the finest athletes in the world. Some of these players are freaks of nature. And some of these games are being officiated by elderly men.
Did you know that Dick Bavetta will turn 70 this season? A 70 year old man will be running up and down the court trying to keep up with 20-something speed demons like Rajon Rondo. And no only that, he's going to have to make snap decisions on plays that almost happen faster for the keenest human eye to fully comprehend.
I don't want to take people away from jobs they love... but some of these long-time guys NEED to step away. This game is too fast now. And what about the relationships that form between these long-time refs and the veteran players? When you really think about it... it's no surprise vets get all the calls.
The sun has to set sometime. I know their union has to fight for everything... but this is a losing battle. We can't have a group of guys in their 60's and 70's officiating NBA games.