Congressman calls Stern to office for hearing? - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Silk Smoov · 07-26-2007, 03:42 PM

Congressman requests meeting with David Stern about NBA referee scandal, may call hearing

July 26, 2007

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The chairman of a House subcommittee is requesting a meeting with NBA commissioner David Stern concerning the betting scandal involving former referee Tim Donaghy.

Rep. Bobby Rush, who heads the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, said he is also considering calling a hearing on the matter "should the facts warrant public scrutiny."

"If the allegations prove true, this could be one of the most damaging scandals in the history of American sports," the Illinois Democrat wrote in a letter sent to Stern on Wednesday and released to the press on Thursday.

Donaghy is the target of an FBI investigation for allegedly betting on games, including some he officiated, over the last two seasons. He resigned July 9.

Rush wrote that he appreciated the need for the league to conduct its own investigation and that he would like to meet with Stern at "the earliest appropriate time."

"Unfortunately, fairly or not, the NBA, more than any other professional sport, has been consistently dogged with allegations that league referees needlessly affect the outcomes of games by making bad calls," Rush wrote.

Link: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_yl...v=ap&type=lgns

dude1394 · 07-26-2007, 03:53 PM

that's all they do anyway, might as well. Maybe they could appoint a special procesutor?

Silk Smoov · 07-26-2007, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dude1394

that's all they do anyway, might as well. Maybe they could appoint a special procesutor?

I really think this is going to be different, because as you read that last statement of the press release, this has been on the radar for some time. For a congrssman to make that kind of statement is something to think about..I think what got his interest is the Bulls/GS game where Tim may have cost the Bulls the 2nd seed.

MavsWiLLHaVeRinGs · 07-26-2007, 04:19 PM

Didn't that game also get GS In the playoffs? So Donaghy DID screw the Mavs!

In a very round about way.

DevinHarriswillstart · 07-26-2007, 04:26 PM

Stern sucks, plain and simple. He should do the last honorable thing and retire. Since all he does is patronize and fine people for pointing out the errors with the refs, what will he do now??

jmwilliamson · 07-26-2007, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silk Smoov

I really think this is going to be different, because as you read that last statement of the press release, this has been on the radar for some time. For a congrssman to make that kind of statement is something to think about..I think what got his interest is the Bulls/GS game where Tim may have cost the Bulls the 2nd seed.

It's really not anything to think about and that's exactly why they probably will hold a hearing on it. There are a million things they could be doing that are infinitely more important than whether or not the NBA has a crooked ref or two. Most of those things, however, won't get the name of that congressman in the papers or on television. So they'll hold a hearing on this when they should be focusing on things that truly matter. It makes me sick.

I love NBA basketball, but when it really comes down to it, the whole league could disappear and it doesn't actually matter. It's just entertainment. They need to stick to business like health care, making sure our troops get everything they need to succeed (or a way to get the hell out of that war), the poor state of education, and on and on and on. But a crooked ref makes for some headlines and name recognition gets votes.

I apologize for my rant.

She_Growls · 07-26-2007, 05:46 PM

I am all for it. As a consumer, I sent a email to the NBA and the NBPA requesting a refund if Donaghy is in fact guilty of these allegations. I am sure several fans have done the same. I didn't pay for tickets, subscribe to NBA League Pass and NBA TV for a freaking fraudulent product sold to me by David Stern and his cronies. I want my damn money back period! So, I welcome an investigation by Rep. Bobby Rush, who heads the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and CONSUMER PROTECTION...I for one, am glad to see somebody doing their freaking job...David Stern needs to hand in his resignation. I can't wait to see him squirm.

Janett_Reno · 07-26-2007, 06:54 PM

I agree with you guys. I never thought this would or possibly could happen and i was wrong, it has happened. This is very bad and will last two years have an * by it? This is when we was good and almost getting a title one of the years. This is sad a ref could do this and has, plus the ref profitted by it and didn't care who he stepped on.

They need to do something about this as this could tarnish the nba and basketball.

Silk Smoov · 07-26-2007, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janett_Reno

I agree with you guys. I never thought this would or possibly could happen and i was wrong, it has happened. This is very bad and will last two years have an * by it? This is when we was good and almost getting a title one of the years. This is sad a ref could do this and has, plus the ref profitted by it and didn't care who he stepped on.

They need to do something about this as this could tarnish the nba and basketball.

This statement says it all about the NBA:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rush

"Unfortunately, fairly or not, the NBA, more than any other professional sport, has been consistently dogged with allegations that league referees needlessly affect the outcomes of games by making bad calls," Rush wrote. .

dude1394 · 07-26-2007, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmwilliamson

It's really not anything to think about and that's exactly why they probably will hold a hearing on it. There are a million things they could be doing that are infinitely more important than whether or not the NBA has a crooked ref or two. Most of those things, however, won't get the name of that congressman in the papers or on television. So they'll hold a hearing on this when they should be focusing on things that truly matter. It makes me sick.

I love NBA basketball, but when it really comes down to it, the whole league could disappear and it doesn't actually matter. It's just entertainment. They need to stick to business like health care, making sure our troops get everything they need to succeed (or a way to get the hell out of that war), the poor state of education, and on and on and on. But a crooked ref makes for some headlines and name recognition gets votes.

I apologize for my rant.

A damn good rant. This congress may go down as the congress that does the least but has more hearings, subpoenas, investigations in history.

The Crippler · 07-26-2007, 09:22 PM

I wonder if Stern will fine congress?

dude1394 · 07-26-2007, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Crippler

I wonder if Stern will fine congress?

That would be rich. Maybe cubes can get them to subpoena him so he can finally let it all hang out without getting fined. Hmm...maybe I should email him....