Dangerous Times
One thing to come out of my recent referee obsession (one that seems to be shared by many) is the realization that we all seem to agree that all the offensive fouls need to stop. At best, this new trend of "always take the charge" is a byproduct of cheap basketball and at worst, is incredibly dangerous. I watched Corey Brewer nearly break in half during the 2006 NCAA Tourney when he was called for a charge on a play in which a defender watched him leap and then took the opportunity to slide under Brewer. It was legitimately terrifying. And now that kind of play seems to be happening all the time in the NBA. A disturbing trend to be sure.
And this isn't something that just started in the playoffs. Dennis Hans wrote a brilliant piece on this for Hoops Hype back in December. He also makes a good observation on his blog, that Jon Barry has used his turn in the broadcasting booth to make this a worthy "platform" issue.
I never thought I'd say this, but we need Jon Barry right now more than ever.
1 comment:
Wow, that was a good column. Thanks for the link. I agree that this charging epidemic is the single worst thing happening to the NBA right now. Maybe instead of lording over player wardrobes, Stern should get a freaking grip on the game. I know some people love Stern, but the NBA needs a new commissioner in the worst way. Rod Thorn would be a decent choice, given the state of flux in NJ anyway. What about The Logo? Nah, he's too old. Honestly, I would take whoever is running the UFC and put that dude in charge - that is how you run a sport.
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