Nbe?
 

Why does everyone here refer to the NBA as the NBE?

E = "Entertainment."

Derogatory term used by those here that feel the NBA isn't "real" basketball but rather entertainment.

Well, I can't speak for everyone else, but to me the National Basketball Association is more about entertainment than sport.

"National Basketball Entertainment", like "World Wrestling Entertainment". IOW - it's a comment on how the game isn't "real" basketball but just entertainment. Of course, the players are exceptional in their skill set - incredible athletes, but they "get away" with lots of no-calls because the purpose of the league is to "entertain" the fans first and foremost. The officials are also great, but they are "informed" as to how to call the game.

That being said, there's probably not a contributor on this board who wouldn't step up to work that league in a New York minute.

Remember the WWF? Now it's called.....?

wtf?

Wait for it....

Doh! Should have been obvious. :smack:

I don't buy that...I just view it as a different game...just like the NFL is different than amateur play. And I would say the NFL has many rules/philosophies that are "entertainment" based.

What pro sport/league doesn't have some sort of entertainment basis?

Well that's my main point. All major professional leagues in America have their basis in sport but with entertainment rules/philosophies/enforcement.

Protecting the quarterbacks is one thing that comes to mind. The NFL has a perception that people want offense. That's all well and good, but I don't mind seeing a good defense too.

I think it's more subtle in the NFL than in the NBA. The NFL has meathead football fans who get pumped no matter what. It's hard to be a meathead basketball fan, IMO.

You might say it's apples and oranges, but at the same time, the NFL is king for a reason. The on-field product is a better one than what the NBA puts out.

I can think of a couple of more...ALL penalties save for a few minor penalties are automatic first down. The most glaring example of an "entertainment" passed rule is defensive pass interference. Throw the ball short on a deep pass and you can get a pass interference a good amount of times. Compare that with the fact that offensive pass interference is hardly called. Also compare illegal contact...a penalty that only exists at the NFL level to promote the pass happy league we see today. There's a reason why the league made it a point of emphasis after the Patriots manhandled the Rams during the Super Bowl.

I couldn't tell you why most football fans don't care. I get the feeling sometimes that the NFL can't do any wrong in the eyes of the fan haha

The thing is, the real money is made "on the margins" from people who only care to watch an exciting game. You're going to be there no matter what, Johnny C. Lately, however, is more fickle with his dollars and time.