Stern Says Pre-Game Pyrotecnics Over The Top

There may be hope yet for peace in the Middle East. At least I feel the possibility is far greater than I would have 24 hours ago. Why the sudden bust of optimism? NBA Commissioner David Stern and your faithful scribe actually agree on an issue concerning the marketing of the NBA. The earth so far is still spinning on it’s axis, so I think we have passed the danger point! If you are a regular reader of mine, you are well aware of my disdain of all the bells and whistles that take place at a NBA game. Turns out that Commissioner Stern is no more of a fan of the pre game hysterics than I am!

The Associated Press reported Monday night that the Commissioner spoke with the media before game four at the Q Arena between the Boston Celtics and their hosts the Cleveland Cavaliers. Stern when asked his thoughts on the pregame pyrotechnics was certainly not voicing anything that can be construed as praise. The Commissioner responded “I’m going to get in trouble for this, but I think they’re ridiculous. I think the noise, the fire, the smoke is a kind of assault that we should seriously consider reviewing in whether it’s really necessary given the quality of our game. It may be that these are the maniacal rantings of a fan from a different era, and I recognize that, but you know I’m sitting there waiting for the next cannon to go off, and then the fire heats up the arena so the temperature in the arena rises by 15 degrees, that’s if you can see it because you’re still waiting for the smoke, which is chemical, to clear, which is invariably done by the end of the half. But I always bite my tongue because I’m not the demographic that wants to be assaulted by loud rap, smoke, pyrotechnics and chemicals. It makes me sort of outdated, but I think it’s time for us to say, Hey guys, let’s look at it one more time!” Mr. Commissioner I feel your pain!