[bawayTeen]

The officiating in tonights game was absolutly horrible. Me being a Cavs fan may cause you to think that i am just whining because they lost, but there were horrible calls made on Orlando aswell. The flagrant shouldnt have been a flagrant. It wasnt intentional, just a physical play, and Dwight Howards 6th foul was a clean block. (Just to name a few) On the Cavs side though, if they slightly touched someone it was a foul. And when Mo Williams gets run over from behind, it is a foul on him. I am surprised the Cavs didnt get any more technicals.


They need to let the teams play. Dont let the officiating decide the outcome. (Even though it always will)

The flagrant/technical calls have been out of hand the entire playoffs.

As for the conference final round, I think the Magic/Cavs series has been a lot worse officiating than the Nuggets/Lakers. But overall, the refs have been really inconsistent this postseason. I don't think they've favored any team in particular, but the inconsistency is frustrating. They need to let the players play a little.

[Cengaeas]

Wanting that and ordering it to be done are 2 very different things.

Well then I'll quit being coy and state it plainly. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Stern and the Networks were ordering the refs to affect the outcome of games to set up matchups that will favor the league and it's betting partners financially.

[softy54534]

Well then I'll quit being coy and state it plainly. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Stern and the Networks were ordering the refs to affect the outcome of games to set up matchups that will favor the league and it's betting partners financially.

and while conspiracy is going on, and has gone on for years, no one has ratted it out and no reported has ferreted it out?

gimme a break!

[ticfarentibia]

and while conspiracy is going on, and has gone on for years, no one has ratted it out and no reported has ferreted it out?

gimme a break!

While you sit there and don't believe, I do believe that the possibility exists that this game is not 100% on the up and up. I could say you're naive for not at least considering the possibility, but I didn't. (I have now) so gimme a break yourself.

[Michaelnewerb]

and while conspiracy is going on, and has gone on for years, no one has ratted it out and no reported has ferreted it out?

gimme a break!

There was this Game 6 in 2002...

And someone did come out about that.

[TeNuaTe]

There was this Game 6 in 2002...

And someone did come out about that.

One game....and after a federal investigation, one guy was found to be responsible. Is the government in on the scam too?

[AngelinaLip]

While you sit there and don't believe, I do believe that the possibility exists that this game is not 100% on the up and up. I could say you're naive for not at least considering the possibility, but I didn't. (I have now) so gimme a break yourself.

The problem is those that are conspiracy theorists act as though it is fact. I think the chances that Stern is playing puppet master to handpick the Finals opponents every year are pretty slim.

Consider that we've seen the Spurs, Mavs, Pistons and the Cavs (before it was a ratings draw) in the Finals throughout this decade. You think all these matchups were what they wanted?

If Stern is handpicking this stuff, he's doing a pretty shitty job....including in these playoffs. I doubt he'd have picked the Magic in the ECF or the Nuggets in the WCF.

[Alkassyinhisk]

And none of this is to say I'm naive enough to believe that commish's across major sports don't try to hide certain things to protect their sport. I just don't believe they are puppet masters picking the winners and ordering the officials to make it happen.

I'm sure all the leagues have teams/players they'd love to have in the championships to increase ratings.....but I don't think it gets ordered.

[lkastonidwedsrer]

Sure, David Stern, has NEVER been party to any fixing of anything...

Especially not this BLATANT fixing of the New York Knicks getting Patrick Ewing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mN3OGRGybA


Note how Jack Wagner, the supposed Ernst and Whitney "partner" who never appeared on any company roster, drops every envelope but one into the drum around the :08 mark. Note that one non-drop envelope was banged clumsily and conspicuously against the drum in order to "dog ear" the Knicks' entry.

Again, note Stern's dramatic sigh as he prepares to commit this underhanded act. Please note the clear drum that allows full sight into the batch of envelopes to pick out the dog-eared one.

Also, Stern's curious decision to fold over several envelopes on top, to get to the one with the dog ear corner.

For the entire text go to www.Czabe.com

[ambientambien]

The problem is those that are conspiracy theorists act as though it is fact. I think the chances that Stern is playing puppet master to handpick the Finals opponents every year are pretty slim.

Consider that we've seen the Spurs, Mavs, Pistons and the Cavs (before it was a ratings draw) in the Finals throughout this decade. You think all these matchups were what they wanted?

If Stern is handpicking this stuff, he's doing a pretty shitty job....including in these playoffs. I doubt he'd have picked the Magic in the ECF or the Nuggets in the WCF.

I dont believe Stern has been playing puppet master, but lets just say he was. Having the Nuggets in the WCF isnt too unlikely because, assuming he has the Cavs in the Finals, it sets up the rivalry of LeBron/Mello which Stern has wanted since both entered the league. Either way, if the Cavs were to make it, no matter who from the west makes it, it sets up a rivalry, and that is what it seems like they are trying to build.

[Hmntezmb]

I haven't watched NBA basketball in over 20 years. The Larry Bird Celtic teams used to shoot 2x as many free throws in the playoffs as their opponents year after year. That was all I needed to know about the NBA.

[KongoSan]

I believe that one ref was singled out by Davey Stern to be a guinea pig.

fixed

[Doctorpills]

One game....and after a federal investigation, one guy was found to be responsible. Is the government in on the scam too?

ding! ding! ding! ding!

[sterofthemasteool]

and while conspiracy is going on, and has gone on for years, no one has ratted it out and no reported has ferreted it out?

gimme a break!

Why would a reporter who is getting "favors" in other fields would want to rat it out?

[xanaxnewtrader]

While you sit there and don't believe, I do believe that the possibility exists that this game is not 100% on the up and up. I could say you're naive for not at least considering the possibility, but I didn't. (I have now) so gimme a break yourself.

I am not naive to the fact that there are instances of problems, a rogue ref, point shaving, etc. There are always some people looking to make money the easy way.

What I have been referring to is this theory that floats around these boards that there is a broad and deep conspiracy starting at the top of the league and involving enough people throughout the league to ensure that the 'right' two teams meet in finals.

Sorry I was not more specific.

[Menierofe]

The problem is those that are conspiracy theorists act as though it is fact. I think the chances that Stern is playing puppet master to handpick the Finals opponents every year are pretty slim.

Consider that we've seen the Spurs, Mavs, Pistons and the Cavs (before it was a ratings draw) in the Finals throughout this decade. You think all these matchups were what they wanted?

If Stern is handpicking this stuff, he's doing a pretty shitty job....including in these playoffs. I doubt he'd have picked the Magic in the ECF or the Nuggets in the WCF.

You have four players who are arguably the top four in the league;

Kobe - Los Angeles
LeBronna - Cleveland
Dwight - Orlando
Carmella - Denver

Along with a somewhat decent supporting cast;

Pau Gasol - Los Angeles
the referees - Cleveland
Hedo Turkolu - Orlando
Chauncey Billups - Denver

I think this has been etched out in the preseason, and it is just coming to fruition right now.

[investor]

I am not naive to the fact that there are instances of problems, a rogue ref, point shaving, etc. There are always some people looking to make money the easy way.

What I have been referring to is this theory that floats around these boards that there is a broad and deep conspiracy starting at the top of the league and involving enough people throughout the league to ensure that the 'right' two teams meet in finals.

Sorry I was not more specific.

True enough, it is a game.

But way before it was a game, it was a business.

business >>>>> game

[MinisuipGaicai]

D-Wade is top 3.

[Snweyuag]

D-Wade is top 3.

Compared to the NB-Eh commercials during the "NB-Eh Payoffs", you're right.

[Qzmsdoem]

One game....and after a federal investigation, one guy was found to be responsible. Is the government in on the scam too?

Taxes are the biggest scam EVER!!!! Let me elaborate . . .

I live in California and every year, like all states, we consumers have to re-register our cars. EVERY YEAR, at a rate of about $200.00 per car (est). In this state there are more cars than people here. California population is over 33 million, times (X) that by $200.00, and the sum is $66 billion a year. I would understand if I’m selling a car (changing ownership) but as I am the initial registered owner why is it that every year after that I have to re-register and pay even though I’m the owner? . . . state revenue. Sorry just venting.