Tim Donaghy: Rogue Referee

The NBA has new credibility issue courtesy of Tim Donaghy, the referee the FBI is investigating for affecting the result of NBA games. While it has still yet to be publicly released if Donaghy's actions affected the winners or losers of a game, this is a monumental problem the league and David Stern have to iron out.

From the ESPN article:

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Donaghy officiated 68 games in the 2005-06 season and 63 games in 2006-07. He also worked 20 playoff games, including five last season -- Pistons-Magic on April 23; Warriors-Mavs on April 27; Suns-Lakers on April 29; Nets-Raptors on May 4; and Spurs-Suns on May 12.

I know referee's are only human but this should be alarming in so many levels. This scandal has put the NBA and the WWE on the same light for some people. As a fan, I can't help but ask how may games have Tim Donaghy robbed, especially in the Playoffs?

While I have no doubt the league will be able to resolve this matter with the FBI with urgency, restoring the NBA's credibility will be an arduous task. Having better background checks of officials, banning gambling completely and regularly monitoring officials' activities may be some steps the NBA can pursue, but clearly, the damage has been done. Thanks to Tim Donaghy.

Tags: NBA

Kevin Durant: Don't Believe the Hype... Yet

Kevin Durant, 2nd Pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, seems to be on the path of the Joe Smiths, Kwame Browns and (gasp!) Michael Olowakandis of the world-- straight to Bustville.

His play on the summer leagues has been very spotty at best. He has shown he is very willing to shoot (albeit at a poor percentage), but has no interest whatsoever in passing, rebounding and playing defense. And this guy is the new cornerstone of the new-look Seattle Supersonics.

While he is indeed a few months removed from the NCAA tournament, his struggles in watered down competition is disturbing indeed. Imagine him squaring up against Tracy McGrady, LeBron James and even Carmelo Anthony. Durant will no doubt go head-to-head with them in shot attempts, but can you forsee Durant holding elite players to even below 20 points?

If I'm a Sonics fan, I'll be very patient. Kevin Durant and the Sonics won't be winning a lot in the 2007-2008 NBA season.

Tags: Sonics

Open letter from Flea to Kobe

Flea, of Red Hot Chili Peppers fame, is a BIG Laker Fan. In his NBA.com blog, he writes an open letter to Kobe Bryant. Here is an excerpt:

someone for whom, no matter whatever else is going on in my life
the lakers have been a constant, something that keeps going on..........
life is great?.....watch the lakers game
getting a divorce?......watch the lakers game
just went to a funeral?.............watch the laker game
depressed and in bed?
just made a million dollars?..........rode a ten foot wave in costa
rica?...............you get it......

Wow, he's really in the Lakers, huh?

I guess Flea's sentiments are shared by millions of Lakers fans out there (emphasis on Laker fans). Kobe wanted to be The Man, he became The Man in L.A. Being The Man entails sacrifice, leadership and testicular fortitude to weather any frustrating situation.

While I am not so optimistic about any impending Kobe trade, Flea's letter is a good perspective to share.

Tags: Lakers