So the big news around the NBA is the lockout of the referees. Stern and Co. have made it clear that they won't bend to the pressures exerted (rightfully so, in my opinion, and Shaq's) by the officials' union. The lockout will likely go at least into the month of October, if not 'til its end. That means replacement refs will be manning or womanning the exhibition games of the offseason, and perhaps the start of the season. The blogosphere's a little nervous, remembering how attrocious the presence of replacement refs was at the start of the 95-96 season. The thinking is Stern wants to send a message to the players' union, letting them know the tough economic times are necessitating different measures across the board, measures he's not afraid to take. I wouldn't put it past old Davey-boy to actually be the force behind the world-wide recession. Sounds like him, right? Making the world seem bleaker such that his product could be the gleaming beacon of light. Or something.
Anyway, while everyone's got the above video on repeat, hoping they'll get the call up to sub-ref the lig (and leave Manitoba!?!), I'm actually thinking someone else is behind this whole ref lockout thing. This smacks of something LeBron James would do, and it would complete a trifecta of heel moves by the King since his off season started. What would LeBron James possibly gain from having replacement officials? Well, he gets to rep his friend Drake's song, "Replacement Girl." Obviously.
Who's Really Behind the NBA Officials Lockout?
