So, how'd you like a game to start like THIS?

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Why would you state that there is no one to penalize?

Either team can be penalized with a team technical foul for delaying the start of either half by a full minute.

If the followers of one team are clearly the guilty party, then that is the proper team to penalize.

WHACK!

While I understand your logic, I'm not sure it can be fully supported by rule. In Rich's scenario, it was clearly one of the last players introduced. However, (I'm assuming) the team was on the floor, ready to play; it's just that the custodians were holding the game up trying to clean the floor. So, it is more similar to the scenario of holding up play while wiping up spilled water after a TO. I know the warning for delay clearly states it is to be recorded after a TO, and this is the start of the game. But I would think putting the warning for delay in the book is the better route to go. This way, ANY delay from here on out by the same team will result in the T.