Feb

6

No Triple-Double For You! NBA Rescinds LBJ MSG Masterpiece

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Analysis, NBA Game Analysis, NBA News 

LeBron James 2.4b

As if the National Basketball Association did not have enough trouble with their credibility, a new can of worms has been opened that has the capability of turning into a firestorm. The “Cleveland Plain Dealer” reported Friday that the Association has decided to take away the triple-double that Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star forward LeBron James was credited with against the New York Knicks Wednesday night in Madison Square Garden. The official scorers at MSG had awarded LBJ 52 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, making the Cleveland star the first player in over 30 years to score 50 points while getting a triple-double. According to the paper’s NBA beat writer Brian Windhorst, Association officials reviewed the tape and have decided that James was incorrectly given credit for a rebound that should have gone to teammate Ben Wallace.

I have been following the Association first as a fan, and subsequently as a member of the media since the mid-sixties. I can unequivicably state that this is one of the most ill-conceived  moves the NBA has ever made in my memory. What are the long term ramifications of this decision? How long are the statute of limitations? Can this be applied to the bad calls that happened in the series a few years ago in the Sacramento Kings  Los Angeles Lakers series? Can the Lakers have their title revoked? 

Professional sports in this country have always relied on the human element in officiating, and since we are all fallible mistakes will happen, that’s life. If instant replay is to used for a judgement, it should only happen while the game is still being held, when something can be done to rectify it. Knowing first had what a competitor LBJ is, he most likely would have made a concerted effort to get that last board, if he did not think he already had it. Once again NBA Commissioner David Stern and the entire Association, have opened themselves up for scorn.

Just remember Mr. Commissioner, you brought this on yourself!

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