The Refs Aren't Playin' Round

No sir. This year David Stern and the NBA Officiating have already flexed their muscle, and whistles, and are just not putting up with any junk from the players. That includes Andres Noccioni shrugging his shoulders and making a gesture after a non-foul call. It includes Carmelo throwing his headband, which would have to be diamond-encrusted to hurt someone. It includes the tirades of Mike Bibby, Rasheed Wallace and Mo Taylor. And there's only been 3 days of NBA action so far.

This quick whistle treatment could really hurt some teams. The NBA has a policy where players start to get suspended for games after so many technical fouls. If it's around playoff time you could see some serious team dynamics change due to suspensions. It also seems that the NBA has a much harsher penalty than you see in the MLB, NFL, or NHL. Those guys are constantly talking trash. How often do you see an NFL or NHL guy ejected for any actions on the field or ice?

On the other hand, this is David Stern's way of letting the players and its fans know that tirades, whining, gestures and negative emotional outbursts won't be tolerated in his court. This is chapter 2 of Sterns attempt to make the league look less "thuggish" and more like "choir boys". I think you have to let some emotion go. It's part of the game. Obviously shoving players or refs, blatantly demeaning anyone on court, or threatening physically should be stopped. I would say allow a warning or 2, then blow the whistle. Doing it so frequently to send a message could really hurt the league. Palming's ok to call though..Note that Mr. Iverson.