NBA refs file against league

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Why do you feel that way? Is it a question of job performance or mere appearance? Obviously, a certain level of fitness or appearance will affect job performance; but then why not just judge based on job performance? Why have additional criteria at all?

Let me play devil's advocate for a moment. As officials, we are a little subjective regarding NBA officials and are only interested in (and critical of) their performance. What we should remember is that the NBA is entertainment, not pure sport. Their main concern is the perception fans have of the total package. This would include fans downgrading their affection for the game based on any factor they choose, which might include thinking that officials aren't really "up to par" based on their appearance (such as being overweight). While we might think that's ridiculous, it doesn't matter. Fans can stop supporting the league through buying tickets and watching games on TV for any reason they want, including not liking the color of their team's uniforms. This is why we refer to the league as the NBE. It's an entertainment entity just like any television show or live theater performance.