Jerry West describes Silver's Durant comments as "unfair"

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

I 100% vehemently disagree. I have read plenty about David Stern and his tenure in the leauge and to act like he did not mold the league to his vision is complete and total bullshit. He took a fledgling league that had its Finals on tape delay and molded it into the vision which he saw for the league. thats the JOB of a commissioner. Simply enforcing rules is a minute part of what encompasses his job. The Commissioner DIRECTS where the league goes. If David Stern was a puppet that did little more than play vice principal the NBA would not be nearly what it is today---- Not that i agree with everything Stern did- but the reason you HAVE a Commissioner is someone with power and discretion to make the tough decisions when their just ARENT rules or circumstances or unintended things happen.

To act like the Commissioners job is to solely enforce rules is just so incredibly short sighted its ridiculous. The Owners pick this guy for a reason- and ESPECIALLY IN Sterns case- who amassed more power than any contemporary Commissioner in US Sports history by the time his decades long run was gone- he ABSOLUTELY is the #1 figure in shaping and molding the league to what it becomes. I dont even know how thats debatable to be honest.

Fair has nothing to do with it. Is it "fair" that the Cavs have 29 nationally televised games? Is it "fair" when Stern vetoes a trade of CP3 to the Lakers? Is it FAIR when he supplies the new owner of the Cavs with addittional first rounders because Ted Stepien had sunk the team? Is it fair to suspend Ron Artest for the length of time he did when the precedent that was previously set was just completely ignored?-- OF COURSE NOT- all those things were done becuase the Commissioner has discretion to implement his vision of what the league should be. Is it "fair" when the Commissioner mandates players wear suits on the bench that are not playing? Is that in the rules somewhere prior to the Commissioner institutiing it? OF COURSE NOT- the Commissioner SAW something- players looking like gansters on the bench- and made a decision that molded the league to his vision. It happens ALL THE TIME. Is it "fair" to take the All Star game out of Charlotte because of a couple politicians?-- OF COURSE NOT- but he did what he had to do to protect the league.

The Artest thing is a the perfect example. "Fair" is not why Artest got such a long drawn out suspension. He got his suspension because Stern felt he had to act in the best interest of the league and protect sponsorship. It screwed the Pacers- it wasnt fair- it didnt conform with previous precedent- not even CLOSE- but it was without a doubt in the best interest of the league.

There has to be literally DOZENS of examples like that which never see the light of day and are solely behind the scenes.

When extraordinary circumstance arise like i described above- the Commissioner acts - he isnt just a freaking traffic cop.

If all of this is true, what does it say about Stern's "Image" that he went in hard on Arrest, as he should have.

Yet, be allowed Sterling to remain a member of the club for decades?

He could only flex the power he was given by the people he worked for:

The Owners.

He wanted him out BAD but never went after him for fear of reprisal, from Sterling Lawsuits or the other Owners.

That makes him a well paid puppet imo...

 

[WiggyRuss]

If all of his is true, what does it say about Stern's "Image" that he went in hard on Arrest, as he should have.

Yet, be allowed Sterling remain a member of the club for decades?

He could only flex the power he was given by the people he worked for:

The Owners.

He wanted him out BAD but never went after him for fear of reprisal, from Sterling Lawsuits or the other Owners.

That makes him a well paid puppet imo...

if you think that David Stern was a puppet you really have no clue the history of the league or just did not pay attention.

In particular, David Halberstams' book that mostly focused on Jordan- talks a lot about Stern and the history of the league and how he rose to power.

Without a doubt the most powerful commissioner in North American sports since probably Kenesaw Mountain Landis of MLB. Stern RAN THE SHOW as Commissioner.

Former NBA commissioner David Stern left a legacy of success - The Boston Globe

you can find a million articles discussing the same thing- how with his 30 years as Commissioner no other pro sports league commissioner amassed NEARLY- a FRACTION of the power and influence Stern had---- understandably so after a 30 year tenure.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

if you think that David Stern was a puppet you really have no clue the history of the league or just did not pay attention.

In particular, David Halberstams' book that mostly focused on Jordan- talks a lot about Stern and the history of the league and how he rose to power.

Without a doubt the most powerful commissioner in North American sports since probably Kenesaw Mountain Landis of MLB. Stern RAN THE SHOW as Commissioner.

I'm not dispiriting the fact that he built the League up.

I'm not disputing the fact that he flexed his power.

I'm disputing the fact that his power was Sovereign or that he acted in a manner that wasn't dictated to him by his Superiors.

The Owners.

 

[WiggyRuss]

David Stern leaves as 'No. 1 reason' for NBA success

USA today is a rag though- een though the guy is saying just what i was saying-that the #1 reason for the NBA's success was david sterns leadership and his ability to mold the league into whath e thought it shouldb e.

its simply indisputable.

http://via.library.depaul.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1035&context=jslcp

 

[WiggyRuss]

I'm not dispiriting the fact that he built the League up.

I'm not disputing the fact that he flexed his power.

I'm disputing the fact that his power was Sovereign or that he acted in a manner that wasn't dictated to him by his Superiors.

The Owners.

well obviously you dont know what you are talking about then becuase Stern bullied owners ALL the time into adhering to his vision of what the league should be.

 

[trojanfan12]

David Stern leaves as 'No. 1 reason' for NBA success

USA today is a rag though- een though the guy is saying just what i was saying-that the #1 reason for the NBA's success was david sterns leadership and his ability to mold the league into whath e thought it shouldb e.

its simply indisputable.

Translation = They don't agree with me so they're a "rag."

Typical Wiggy bullshit.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Ian Thomsen: Ranking the 10 most powerful people in the NBA

SI ranked the 50 most powerful people in sports. Who are the 10 most powerful in just the NBA? Here's my list:

1. David Stern, NBA commissioner

The NBA commissioner remains in charge of the league's daily business until next February, when his 30-year term will end and deputy commissioner Adam Silver will take over. Stern's impact will be felt for years to come, as the new collective bargaining agreement that has reshaped the league will continue to express his point of view long after he has gone -- as will attempts by the league to continue to build its business in the foreign markets explored initially by Stern. Even on his way out, he will continue to be the dominant personality of basketball around the world.


booom ROASTED.

 

[CitySushi]

well obviously you dont know what you are talking about then becuase Stern bullied owners ALL the time into adhering to his vision of what the league should be.

Well the owners should be be ever so grateful to Stern. He turned the NBA into a machine and a global phenomenon that has boosted each team's value exponentially.

If it weren't for Stern, we wouldn't be here on a message board discussing basketball the way we are. But then again maybe that's our punishment as well, lol.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Well the owners should be be ever so grateful to Stern. He turned the NBA into a machine and a global phenomenon that has boosted each team's value exponentially.

If it weren't for Stern, we wouldn't be here on a message board discussing basketball the way we are. But then again maybe that's our punishment as well, lol.

no commissioner in north american sports history has ever had more power or autonomy. Especially after freaking 3 decades....its highly unlikely we ever see that again--- but any new owner who would ever question the guy only would have to be directed towards his INSANELY GOOD track record at building the leauge to say- you know what?--- we will leave it to the expert that we hired to do the job.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

well obviously you dont know what you are talking about then becuase Stern bullied owners ALL the time into adhering to his vision of what the league should be.

Riiiight, you are all knowing.

Except you're not.

Stern was tough on anything that brought public shame to the NBA.

As long as you kept your skeletons in the closet, you were golden.

Plenty of examples to that fact as well.


David Stern sits on his hands as Donald Sterling’s deplorable treatment of women is made public.

Donald Sterling is a disgusting, self-entitled rich man who should have been drummed out of the NBA long ago. You know why he wasn’t? Because the NBA, like all the other sports leagues and the male-dominated sports media, doesn’t care nearly enough about the way men treat women.

In a deposition obtained and made public by TheSmokingGun.com back in August 2004, Sterling’s graphic, repulsive testimony was shockingly Neanderthal — and earned him no suspension from David Stern.




Lee Jenkins: David Stern, NBA validated Donald Sterling with Chris Paul trade


David Stern Doesn't Have A Problem With Shitty Basketball Games; He Has A Problem With Honesty
http://deadspin.com/5964496/david-s...asketball-games-he-has-a-problem-with-honesty

 

[WiggyRuss]

David Stern: The NBA's Most Powerful
one after another after another- you could not POSSIBLY logically come to any other conclusion than Stern ruled with an iron first and had the autonomy to do whatever he felt was best.::



I wish this could have been a little more…exciting. I wish this choice would not have been the obvious one.

But it is. Like there’s any doubt?

There is not anyone more powerful that has anything to do with the NBA than the actual boss himself, David Stern. Congratulations, David.

This is never supposed to be the case. Leaders are supposed to be benevolent, caring, and democratic.

David Stern possesses none of these traits. Quite the opposite. He’s relentless, ruthless, and authoritarian.

Leaders are supposed to pragmatic. Leaders are supposed to have manageable egos, willing to surround themselves with the best and the brightest – where they can engage in constructive discourse in efforts to maximize inputs and outputs and the quality of pivotal decisions. Think the Abraham Lincoln cabinet, and his ‘Team of Rivals.’

Not Mr. Stern. Stern surrounds himself with yes-men. You don’t see or hear of anyone who disagrees with the commish. Which tells you one thing: Stern doesn’t allow it. And if you do – you are banished to irrelevancy.

Stern rules the NBA by decree. In no other sport does a commissioner have that much power where he can set any rule, punish any entity, and promote/demote any asset which he chooses.

Sure, the commish may have a couple of token executive committees that may discuss rules and whatnot, but those are just that – token committees. They are there for show. To carry out the king’s plans. If David Stern decides he wants something – he gets it.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Riiiight, you are all knowing.

Except you're not.

Stern was tough on anything that brought public shame to the NBA.

As long as you kept your skeletons in the closet, you were golden.

Plenty of examples to that fact as well.


David Stern sits on his hands as Donald Sterling’s deplorable treatment of women is made public.

Donald Sterling is a disgusting, self-entitled rich man who should have been drummed out of the NBA long ago. You know why he wasn’t? Because the NBA, like all the other sports leagues and the male-dominated sports media, doesn’t care nearly enough about the way men treat women.

In a deposition obtained and made public by TheSmokingGun.com back in August 2004, Sterling’s graphic, repulsive testimony was shockingly Neanderthal — and earned him no suspension from David Stern.




Lee Jenkins: David Stern, NBA validated Donald Sterling with Chris Paul trade

http://deadspin.com/5964496/david-s...asketball-games-he-has-a-problem-with-honesty

so how does the factthat he dropped the ball on that issue illustrate he did not havet he power that pretty mucha nyone who paid attention or covered the NBA has a full consensus that he IN CHARGE and had power and influence that other commissioners could ever dream of?

I have absolutely no illusions that Mr. Stern was perfect- of course over 30 years he errored. But its undisputable that he enjoyed the power and autonomy to shape the league as he saw fit- and did just that over his 30 year tenure.

 

[trojanfan12]

But its undisputable that he enjoyed the power and autonomy to shape the league as he saw fit- and did just that over his 30 year tenure.

No he didn't.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

Well the owners should be be ever so grateful to Stern. He turned the NBA into a machine and a global phenomenon that has boosted each team's value exponentially.

If it weren't for Stern, we wouldn't be here on a message board discussing basketball the way we are. But then again maybe that's our punishment as well, lol.

He did all of that.

He took the business of basketball GLOBAL.

There is no disputing his business acumen, nor his marketing savvy.

But, he was no patron saint. He did what was right for BUSINESS, not necessarily what was right MORALLY.

I can't come to any other conclusion when you look at the way he handle the Arrest situation vs. The one with Sterling.

Or, even better...

He allowed Jay Z, a self admitted Drug Dealer, to become a minority Owner..well, if you want to even consider what he bought "Ownership".

It's obvious Why he allowed it.

Basketball and Hip hop culture go hand in hand.

These Fuckers wearing Jerseys in their videos up'd sales 10 fold.

Sterno was about the money.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

so how does the factthat he dropped the ball on that issue illustrate he did not havet he power that pretty mucha nyone who paid attention or covered the NBA has a full consensus that he IN CHARGE and had power and influence that other commissioners could ever dream of?

I have absolutely no illusions that Mr. Stern was perfect- of course over 30 years he errored. But its undisputable that he enjoyed the power and autonomy to shape the league as he saw fit- and did just that over his 30 year tenure.

Uh....because if he had the power, he would have used it.

Seems obvious.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

so how does the factthat he dropped the ball on that issue illustrate he did not havet he power that pretty mucha nyone who paid attention or covered the NBA has a full consensus that he IN CHARGE and had power and influence that other commissioners could ever dream of?

I have absolutely no illusions that Mr. Stern was perfect- of course over 30 years he errored. But its undisputable that he enjoyed the power and autonomy to shape the league as he saw fit- and did just that over his 30 year tenure.

He didn't have the Power that you keep insisting he had.

His power was not Sovereign, he was not a jury of 1.

He could only do what his Owners "let " him do.


It’s wrong to think that the league just didn’t care about what an odious presence Sterling was during that time—a league source told SN that commissioner David Stern had, more than once, considered ways in which he could oust Sterling.

Stern knew he would be on shaky legal ground in going after Sterling, that only a narrow reading of league bylaws would open a legal path to forcing Sterling out based on cases that had been settled or in which Sterling had prevailed. The bigger challenge was that he did not have the support of Sterling’s fellow owners—that’s ultimately the group Stern was overseeing. The NBA swallowed hard and tolerated Sterling.

With decisive action, Silver does what Stern never could — oust Sterling

NEW YORK -- Adam Silver just killed off the Frankenstein monster that his mentor David Stern helped create, and everyone will line up now to give their "attaboys" to the rookie commissioner.

O'Connor: Stern also should be ashamed

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

au·ton·o·my
[ôˈtänəmē]
NOUN

1. (of a country or region) the right or condition of self-government, especially in a particular sphere:
2. owse/autonomy Autonomy definition, independence or freedom, as of the will or one's actions: theautonomy of the individual. See more.

Stern didn't have that if he couldn't act without permission or support.

 

[LAD]

Well, we had a lockout five years ago. There was a reason for that. And one of the major points of discussion was to prevent player collusion and create more parity in the league with approximately two thirds of our league's teams having lost money. It's just one of the reasons why your beloved Lakers were denied of CP3 by the other 28 owners of the Hornets at the time.

The teams that lost money was due to their own inability to run a successful business- which is NOT any of the players' faults. These owners need to take responsibility for their own carelessness and stop point the finger and blaming others.

 

[LAD]

the NBA is making huge money and the league office KNEW that we would have an insane round of free agency so they approached the players about a "smoothing mechanism" for this year.

A smoothing mechanism would have allowed the cap to go up incrementally- so the players- out of PURE LUCK- that were free agents this year- did not get a disproportionate share of revenue- and unintended effects like the Durant signing- would not take place....

instead- we got what we got because the players union refused to bargain the issue- whether you think they should have bargained or not and agreed to smooth the cap- the result was (i) unintended effects and (ii) players getting more than they are worth because of the spike---- hence- you have Eric Turner making more money than Kyrie Irving or John Wall or any number of guys who recently signed maxes- which of course does not make sense to me--- of course it would have happened to a certain extent- but surely not the pure and total idiocy where guys like Evan Turner and Timo Mozgov get huge 10 figure deals.

the thing is- i dont see the incentive for the players union not to have bargained--- we know what happened- but i just dont see how they benefited by not engaging on this issue- to me there refusal was little more than a tactic to show they wont be pushed around in the next round of bargaining- and stubbornness like that just to be stubborn usually doesnt benefit anyone.

And none of this would've mattered to you if it were the Cavs that had signed a player that added value to their team that is equivalent to KD signing with GS.

Please, stop the crying and move on.

 

[Heatles84]

Did anyone read that last rant?

Does Wiggy have a chance with Scarlett Johansson? There's your answer.