April 18, 2007

THE END IS NIGH FOR JOEY T. AND HIS IRASCIBLE ILK

      The era of the aggressive, snarling, vengeful official is coming to an end at a major league sports arena near you.  It seems that NBA veteran referee Joey Crawford’s career as the quick-tempered and irritable one (nee Grumpy Old Man) is over after his latest tempest in a teapot.  The man I have affectionately referred to, over the years, as Joey T (for technical) finally went over the edge and lost whatever was left of his sanity in a tete-a-tete with Tim Duncan.  Perhaps the suspension of Joey T. will mark the end of a long career and send a message to all officials that reason and logic must supersede personal vendettas.

       It has long been my contention that NBA officials have segregational perception of the rules—what is a foul to one player is not necessarily one to another.  I also believe that they anticipate fouls and make calls based on their sense of an impending infraction rather than waiting and assimilating the action after it is done.  They think that illegal contact will be made therefore they whistle the play even if an infraction was not committed.  I believe that the NBA game may just be too fast for its officiating crew, but the refs, insisting on making their mark within the framework of the game make calls based on homework (players that have a tendency to shuffle their feet should be watched closely and whistled for traveling), on reputation (an aggressive foul-cursed player will always be one) and of course the simple (make the easy open court hand check calls so that you can exert some influence over the game). 

       There is more complaining during an NBA game (calls that were made and calls that were missed) than in any sport, perhaps excluding soccer.  As a result officials tend to get short-tempered and irritable—it’s hard to maintain an even-temper when someone is questioning every decision you make.  But for an official to be successful they have to maintain an even-keel.  They can’t appear to let any type of abuse get under their skin as, at that point, it will definitely determine their influence on the game and, if done in an overt style—see Joey T—it could result it monumental errors.  This isn’t the first time that a game got away from the irascible one.  There have been several games where Joey has let fly with a flurry of technicals.  I remember one Raptor game years ago when Joey teed up five different players, from both teams, within a five-minute span of the game.  At that point it was apparent to everyone that he had lost control of the game and was paddling against a hard charging current to get it back.  The NBA has hopefully let it be known that that style of officiating is done. 

       While Joey’s suspension won’t change the way the games are officiated—I have noticed a strong improvement in this area in the past couple of years (likely due to an increased effort by the league to monitor its officials)—it should slow the number of anger induced decisions made by league officials during the heat of a contest.  After all, if the officials can maintain a calm demeanor, even if it is simply outwardly, then the players can decide games.  There is nothing worse than having a game’s officials be the focus and be the central figures in a game’s decision.

       Hopefully, all the other officials will learn from Joey’s mistake.

       Playoff Match-ups –

      Detroit will have very little trouble with Orlando.  The Pistons won’t be pushed until the second round.  The Magic can consider this a successful playoff run if they win one game.

      Cleveland has to consider itself very fortunate that the switch of clubs at the bottom of the playoff seedings has netted them the wounded Washington Wizards.  A likely first round ouster has been avoided.  The Wizards will be looking at next year very soon.

      Toronto is the club that fared the worst in the last day seedings shuffle.  What initially looked like an easy first-round match-up now has them facing the suddenly re-invigorated Nets and if the Raptors don’t play up to their capabilities they won’t see the second round.  However, with Toronto’s depth, the Nets will have problems defensively.  The Raptors should come away with a victory in game seven.

      Chicago will finally make it through the first round, but only because Dwayne Wade isn’t close to full strength.  The Bulls will survive a long battle.

      Dallas will need to be ferocious with their perimeter defense if they want to contain the fast flying Warriors.  Golden State has had some success against the Mavs and will surprise the league leaders by pushing them to a sixth game.

      Phoenix shouldn’t have much trouble with the Lakers.  Unless Kobe can go off for 50+ the Suns should win a short series.  Last year’s near upset means nothing this year--the Lakers aren’t as good while the Suns have Stoudamire back.

      San Antonio is facing a Denver team that is finally living up to its billing.  The Nuggets could upset if Iverson and Kleiza are able to contribute major points—Bruce Bowen will likely neutralize Carmelo Anthony—but the Spurs should be able to score enough to win in six.

      Houston is as healthy as they’ve been all season and Utah struggled down the stretch.  The Jazz will need to play well to push the Rockets but Houston should win in six.

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