David Stern defends the fine imposed on San Antonio Spurs – NBA Update
NBA commissioner David Stern has been the subject of some derision after he decided to fine the San Antonio Spurs for letting four players, including the big three of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, leave for home before
the game against Miami Heat last week, Spurs’ last in a six game away stretch.
Gregg Popovich, the Spurs coach, also rested emerging star Danny Green, and the Heat were literally left to take on a second string side which also missed Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Jackson due to injuries. To make the matters worse,
it was the only game which the Spurs had to play against the defending NBA champions, was televised nationally, and the visitors also didn’t feel the need to inform the league and opposition in time.
The commissioner had to do something to protect the interest of what is a multi billion industry now, and to ensure that no team ever dares to repeat the act; he slapped a hefty fine of quarter million dollars on the organization.
On Wednesday, while attending the game between the New Orleans Hornets and the Los Angeles Lakers, Stern defended his decision and seemed to have a reasonable logic behind his argument.
"In the case of San Antonio, they didn't just come into town and rest healthy players, they sent a 26-year-old and a 30-year-old, plus Manu and Tim home virtually under cover of darkness ... and without notifying as our rules require
for injury and illness,"
"(It was the Spurs') only visit to Miami, practically the first month of the season.” He added. “Notifying nobody and sending home young and healthy players merited a rebuke and I did it."
Popovich expressed his disappointment at the decision in the day that followed, but the fact is that he has been towing the line a bit too much and the Spurs should have seen it coming. Last season, Popovich rested his big three
plenty of times and even made a joke of it once, when they declared Timmy D as ‘OLD’ for a game. That was a hectic lockout season and the commissioner probably took it in his stride. However, this time, the season is in its early stages and the patience of
the Commish had to run out.
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