NBA Officials Take Too Much Abuse

Players and Coaches Cry, Beg and Plead for Calls

I have never been a huge NBA fan. Sure, when Jordan, Magic and Larry were balling it up I loved it, but today’s NBA simply has never caught my attention.

The NBA has lost many fans who once tuned in for the classic battles of the 80’s and 90s. The league has reversed its age and become younger and younger. As a result, the league has become immature and the level of play has declined causing many casual fans to turn the channel, including yours truly. 

Conversely, living in Arizona the past two years, I have somehow found my way onto the Phoenix Suns bandwagon. Although, my seat is in the back of the wagon (1972 Ford Station-Wagon, it’s a woody!) next to a literally huge three-hundred pound Suns fan that has his body painted purple and is holding a sign that reads “NASHtasitc!” Have I really become a fan of the NBA? If so, can you blame me? 

The 2006 playoffs have featured many exciting overtime classics and last second miracle shoots. The Phoenix Suns are an exciting team to watch and they boast some of the best players in the league. Their nucleus of two-time league MVP Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, and Amare Stoudamire has produced a level of success that the state of Arizona has not experienced since 1993. 

The Suns have lured many casual fans like me back into the NBA the past two seasons with their exciting, fast-paced tempo. Due to the Suns ‘run’em out of the gym’ style along with the exciting play of the Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks, ratings for the NBA are up compared to last year. 

Yet, after watching the most professional basketball in my life since 1998, I am reminded every night why I turned the channel years ago. No matter how much I try to look past it I still can not seem to understand why coaches and players find it necessary to constantly whine to officials. Every game you can virtually count on watching players and coaches cry to referees during the game over calls. Do they really think they never foul? It is pathetic and needs to stop.