There shouldn't even be a discussion. The idea that some NBA officials give star players preferential treatment was dreamed up by a bunch of bitter 300 lb sports writers with nothing to talk about.
Let's face it, this is just about perception. What official has NOT been accused of cheating?!? I've had fans say that I must be from the other school's town, or I'm racist, homering, etc., etc. That doens't make it true.
How can officials at the high school and college level critique those working in the NBA -- let alone coaches and players?!? Do you really think that you have more officiating knowledge than the 60-odd NBA referees that sit through training meetings with Ed Rush and other past NBA officials, who watch and "break down" videotape of their games, who are critiqued at each and every game that they officiate?
Personally, I don't think that the NBA officials DON'T call traveling -- I think it's the other way around -- most high school and some college officials call traveling on plays that aren't even close.
If you've never blown a whistle you really have no idea what it's like to be out there making split-second decisions. And if you have only officiated high school you have NO idea how fast and good these players are.
Jont and Juulie have it right -- we need to stick together on this and not criticize each other. If instead of trying to learn from the best and getting better you would rather sit and criticize, you will always be "just another ref"
