Referees Say NBA Structure is Conducive To Fixing Games

Reports published Wednesday quote former NBA referee Hue Hollins as saying that the NBA’s system of officiating is dysfunctional and the whole system needs to be revamped. Hollins who was a fixture in the NBA for 27 years before retiring in 2005, was quoted in Wednesday’s edition of the USA Today. Two current referees who asked to remain nameless because of NBA rules forbidding referees from talking to the media were also quoted. One said that with the current system in place it would be very easy for a referee to effect the outcome of a game just by calling fouls down the stretch. The unnamed official said that with the League Office stressing the need for more offense excessive foul calls would never be questioned. The more fouls called the more chance for free throws hence higher scoring games. NBA spokesman Tim Frank when asked to comment on the allegations, said due to the Federal investigation of former NBA referee Tim Donaghy the league had no further comment at this time.