Boston Celtics question new league policy on technical fouls
In an unusual incident for NBA pre-season play, three technical fouls and an ejection were handed out in a matter of seconds to the Boston Celtics last night as they took on the New York
Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Late in the second quarter, Jermaine O’Neal picked up a technical followed by Kevin Garnett getting ejected after picking up back-to-back technicals on the other side of the court. While many were quick to criticize the short
fuse of the officials, they were merely carrying out league orders.
Before the start of training camp this past month, in an effort to reduce complaining by players, officials were informed by the league to be much stricter when it comes to giving out
technical fouls.
And so far, it’s been the Celtics who have suffered most from the new policy. In just five pre-season games, Boston players have been issued nine technical fouls. If this trend continues,
Boston would set an NBA record for technical fouls with about 148 over the season. O’Neal is one of many Celtics not happy with the new policy.
“That's too fast. That's way too fast,” said O’Neal said of his technical. “That's telling guys that they can't ask refs what they did. You're basically taking emotions out of the game.”
"You're talking about two technicals on Kevin in a matter of seconds,” O’Neal continued. “You gotta be able to have an opportunity to go, 'OK, back away, I got one already, I can't get
thrown out.' But to give them that quick?"
Celtics coach Doc Rivers, who was surprised by O’Neal’s technical, said referees will need some time to get used to the new system.
"J.O., I was very surprised,” he said. “He never raised his voice. He didn't walk away, but it wasn't anything demonstrative. We're going to figure it out. It's just going to take time."
The league said the stricter regulations were instated after market research indicated NBA fans were fed up with the incessant complaining of players. But Paul Pierce of the Celtics wondered
how ejecting players can be a good thing for fans.
"The [referees and league officials] are going to have to take a second look and see how it affects the game, how it affects the stars,” said Pierce. “People pay good money to come out
and see the stars play. Even though we've got to play by the rules, there has to be some leniency. When a guy turns and looks at you, maybe it doesn't cost you a game.”
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