Does David Stern look defeated or what? You hardly hear the Commissioner utter so many "Uh's" and speak with so much caution. Since this is likely the biggest news of the day ... how about a belated live-thread11:15 Stern spend the first 15 minutes outlining all of the procedures the NBA has in place to prevent such an event. Which clearly haven't worked. Congrats! That might explain the look.
11:22 Outlines accusations against Donaghy. Accused of betting on NBA games, those he worked and those he didn't. Will likely be accused of providing information to others for them to profit on betting NBA games.
11:25 Explains lack of early termination as a decision to help the investigation. Met with FBI on June 21st.
11:28 Assures us this is an isolated incident.
11:29 Worst situation he's ever experienced in working with the NBA
11:31 "Officiating staff is the best in the world." Ok, he lost me with that one. Time to re-watch the playoffs, with all due respect.
Question/Answer Time (not exact words)
Rachel Nichols - Take us through your range of emotions?
David should ask her what her range of emotions are when she puts on a new frightening mask every morning. Anyways, Stern answers the way you might imagine. "Can't believe it's happened to us."
Liz Robbins (NY Times) - What will you do with your system to make it more transparent? What will you do with players to reassure them the system works?
Will wait for investigation to run it's course. Still believes it's a "rouge" incident. Admits to referees not being as modest as he'd prefer (with a smirk). Continues to point out NBA's "covenant with fans." Will continue to work with referees to get accuracy up. Wants to fans to understand how the system works. Continue to "bear the expense" of the the WNBA and NBDL. So maybe we now understand why those leagues are around ... to try extremely poor officials.
Addressing media scrutiny ....
Good answer from Stern, the only one he could provide. When you invite the media in to cover all the good, you have to understand the bad news becomes equally or more compelling.
How certain can you be this is an isolated incident?
"I think I was just asked when I stopped beating my wife" Odd way to begin your answer, I think. Not 100% positive, but with his current understanding believes it's isolated. Can't comment on investigation.
Did Donaghy make calls that changed the outcome of games?
Stern having trouble with phrasing answer. Reference earlier comment that he bet on games, and provided information. Dodged.
How did he bet?
Long pause. Doesn't believe it was in Vegas.
Why weren't Donaghy's "anger management issues" off the court enough for the NBA to take action?
Only enough to speak with him directly and warn. Was pulled out of Round 2 of the 2005-06 Playoffs.
Interrupts second question about this being an isolated incident ... to assure that it's his current understanding. Will tell us when/if it isn't.
Another - Did he bet on games he officiated?
Carefully choosing his words, and recycling them, he essentially says yes.
A direct question about his involvement in Game 3 of the Suns - Spurs Series.
Would like to await the outcome of the criminal investigation to understand whether Donaghy did bet on Game 3 of the Suns-Spurs series. Will be reviewing film and performance.
Is it possible to determine whether an NBA official is cheating while on the court?
Good work by ESPN to interrupt his answer because it's the top of the hour. It sounded as if he answered "they will try to determine if it is possible." He thinks it is.
Highlight of the press conference ... apparently an NBA referee has to get a permission slip to go to a Horse Racing track in the summer. All other forms of gambling are against the code of NBA officiating.
Does this affect an NBA team being in Las Vegas?
Doesn't know. Did cancel a meeting next week to actually discuss the matter.
Did other referees know of his affiliation with organized crime?
Ok, not sure I believe Stern on this answer. He says only after the FBI investigation was made aware on June 20.
Not able to answer a question concerning Tim Donaghy's motives.
Informs that Donaghy's salary last year was $260,000
As uncomfortable David Stern appeared ... Jay Crawford is making him appear quite composed. Anyways, that appears to be the gist of his press conference. Reactions?
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