Swoopes unhappy with WNBA refs

[Hawks Coach]

Originally posted by Camron Rust
Most fans and players (the ones that complain) have it all backwards. Those veteran players that seem to get the benefit on the calls aren't being favored by the officials. They're smart players who, over the years, have figured out what the refs call and what it takes to avoid the call or draw the foul. The rookies just don't know where the line is and the "stars" take advantage of that.

I think that is true to an extent. But there are some no-calls that you just shake your head at. I have watched enough NBA to see a difference on similar plays, star gets the call, rookie gets the shrug (if even that).

I've always thought that the more compelling rationalization is that the stars have proven they can make the play, so they get the call. Until refs believe that the rookie's throw would have a reasonable chance without the foul, they won't see the contact as a disadvantage. I don't completely buy this one either, but it is a line of reasoning.