Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell blames hard-liners for the prolonged NBA lockout
NBA legend Bill Russell has weighed in on the current NBA labour dispute, saying that both sides are at fault over the mess that we find ourselves in. Russell, a living legend of basketball who played for the Boston Celtics, believes
that there are hard line elements within both NBA owners, and the players, who have kept the two sides from agreeing to a deal.
“As a very interested bystander, I just hope they get a deal,” Russell told CBSSports.com in a phone interview. “And it will not come from the hard-liners on either side. I think they all know that.”
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have been at odds over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement for a very long time now, and despite prolonged negotiations, they have not been able to come to a compromise.
The lockout that began on July 1st increasingly looks likely to devour the whole season, and Russell believes both sides have rigid elements contributing to the unfortunate situation.
According to Russell, hard liners view everything in black and white, and are determined to get their way. That approach, though successful in other endeavours, does not bear fruit in negotiations.
“I have this theory that hard-liners are like true believers. And true believers think that any compromise is a retreat. And moving forward, that doesn’t cut it.”
When Russell speaks, the NBA listens. He is a man respected and revered by everyone in the NBA. As the most decorated athlete to perform in the league, boasting a total of 11 NBA World Championships, the former centre has a special
place in the heart of the NBA community.
He also has a history with the National Basketball Players Association; he was a founding member. Russell was among 20 or so NBA All-Stars who refused to play in an All-Star game if the NBA didn’t recognize the union, and that
is how it all started.
“Basically I was one of those guys that helped get the players’ association started,” Russell said. “And they've done wonderful things.”
With a man of such wealth in experience of these matters speaking up, it is hard not to listen. Hopefully the league owners, as well as the players union, will heed his advice and soften their respective stances. What they need
right now are steady individuals who can sit down and get a deal done.
If they continue going down the current route, one of ultimatums and threats, it will only make matters worse. There are strong indications already that the battle for a new CBA might be heading to courts as the union considers
decertification.
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