Denial is the First Step

Over the past year we've seen David Stern do his best impersonation of Richard Nixon. In fact, that might be giving him too much credit. We've actually seen David Stern do his best impersonation of an alcoholic who won't get help. It is said that when someone has a problem they have to hit 'rock bottom' before they are willing to fix it. Anyone who knows someone with an addiction knows this moment well. David: This is that moment. A while ago, a study came out that showed conclusively that there was racial bias in the calls that NBA referees made. Stern ignored it. Then the Donaghy (part I) scandal went to the presses. Stern ignored it. In the most recent NBA Finals, Bill Simmons (and many others) were able to correctly predict which referees would be assigned to Game 3. How did he do this? By realizing that it is in the NBA's best interest to extend lucrative playoff series. This is easily accomplished by trotting out the worst referees at strategic times. (hello, Bennett Salvatore) What was Stern's response? You guessed it; he ignored it. Mr. Stern, if you were not at rock bottom before, now you should be. You see, Tim Donaghy, the referee that Stern portrayed as a "rogue", "acting alone", has hit rock bottom. Donaghy has stopped lying. Donaghy is cooperating 100% with investigators. Recently, it has been discovered that Donaghy called another NBA ref 134 times in a year. For those of you keeping track at home that is eight times more than Donaghy called his bookie! That is a problem for David Stern. Donaghy-gate pt. 2 is on the horizon. The NBA has two choices: 1. Deal with this problem. Take the initial backlash on the chin. Become a better league. Or 2. Ignore this again and watch the Association lose all of its credibility. David, this is an intervention. It's time for you to get help.