[Sleeper]

I don't believe that all fans are morons, and I don't think that anyone has cast that blanket statement. Fan perception is an issue with the NBA and that issue resides in the League office, not with the officials. Fan perception, while important, is placed more on emotion and loyalty rather than facts and reality. I know, because I am guilty of the same thing with the teams that I follow. It is something that I am aware of and avoid now as much as possible.

The difficulty you experienced on this board in one of a group of people, with varying degrees of experience who all take a great deal of time and effort to be as professional and unbiased as possible (except with AAU games). While disagreements are rampant and heated on most of the rules discussions, I believe that all officials are interested in controlling the game, being unbiased and being professional. When you make broad accuasations without evidence of wrong doing or proof of occurance, you shouldn't be suprised that these same people (myself included) would take offense and defend their positions with facts and personal experience. Too many fans are quick to blame officials when the players who make money and fail to produce are the problem. That is why you got the reaction you did.