OT: David Stern as pro as they get

[mattola]

The Point Forward Posts David Stern testy over lottery questions

Jim Rome asked NBA commissioner David Stern on Wednesday whether the league rigged the lottery for the league-owned Hornets.

Stern, after calling the question “ridiculous,” responded by asking Rome, “Have you stopped beating your wife yet?”

 

[dash]

I wish Jim would have called him 'Chris' after Stern's not so witty comeback...

 

[Vadered]

"Have you stopped beating your wife yet?" is a classic loaded question. Stern was trying to point out that question Rome asked was somewhat misleading, since one interpretation is that the question implies the NBA is rigging the lottery for SOMEBODY. It's not QUITE the same type of loaded question, but it's close enough that this explosion is stupid.

I have no idea why this is a story.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

At least Rome asked the question. He's probably the only person with the guts to do so. Nobody on Disney or TNT would do it that's for sure.

 

[TiLoBrown]

Jim Rome: When your ego is bigger than your talent

 

[elocomotive]

"Have you stopped beating your wife yet?"

 

[Eddie_Shack]

Rome baited him with a below the belt question, no doubt. However, you're a commissioner for the NBA. Act like a goddamn adult.

 

[DevilishWon]

Rome's a fuckin talentless tool

 

[TiLoBrown]

Rome baited him with a below the belt question, no doubt. However, you're a commissioner for the NBA. Act like a goddamn adult.

Why? Its the NBA.... their players dont even act like adults

 

[Eddie_Shack]

Why? Its the NBA.... their players dont even act like adults

Homer: Well if kids are so innocent, why is everything bad named after them? Acting childish, kidnapping, child abuse...

Bart: What about adultery?
Homer: Not until you're older, son.

 

[dash]

The funny thing is Rome should have asked Stern a more timely question, that is, Are the NBA finals fixed?

 

[KennyBanyeah]

The funny thing is Rome should have asked Stern a more timely question, that is, Are the NBA finals fixed?

 

[elocomotive]

Rome's a fuckin talentless tool

If you listen to the interview, Rome asked the question in a pretty respecful way and it IS something even reasonable fans speculate on, so I think it's a fair question.

Now OBVIOUSLY Rome doesn't expect Stern to say "Yes, it is rigged!"

But Stern could have explained the many ways they insure it is fair, but instead took the low road. You expect that from radio jockeys... but the commissioner of a sports league should be above that.

 

[dash]

But Stern could have explained the many ways they insure it is fair, but instead took the low road. You expect that from radio jockeys... but the commissioner of a sports league should be above that.

If a NBA coach or player would have uttered a joke about spousal abuse, Stern would have likely fined him $100 K.

 

[elocomotive]

If a NBA coach or player would have uttered a joke about spousal abuse, Stern would have likely fined him $100 K.

I think Rome could fine him in the form of a defamation suit. Even if he didn't win, it would probably be good for his own star. On that note, does Rome have any rumors of spousal abuse surrounding him? Or was this just completely out of the blue? It was a very odd subject for Stern to bring up so lightly.

By the way, here is the interview. From 7:40 on is some pretty uncomfortable/funny stuff.

[YOUTUBE]KmD-j0MJRsM[/YOUTUBE]

 

[elocomotive]

Best part of the interview...

Stern - "That question is a cheap trick."
Rome - "No, flopping is a cheap trick."

 

[dash]

Robin Zander takes offense to that exchange...

 

[elocomotive]

Robin Zander takes offense to that exchange...

I had to Wiki the name, but that's a nice zing.

 

[Eddie_Shack]

I think people are making too big of a deal over "have you stopped beating your wife"... I don't think Rome has any sort of history, it's more of a question/phrase that's been around a while, basically meaning "you just asked me a loaded question, you fucking dick". Stern wasn't accusing him or implying anything, he was just saying "hey, fuck your question".

 

[dash]

I think people are making too big of a deal over "have you stopped beating your wife"... I don't think Rome has any sort of history, it's more of a question/phrase that's been around a while, basically meaning "you just asked me a loaded question, you fucking dick". Stern wasn't accusing him or implying anything, he was just saying "hey, fuck your question".

I think you're right, Eddie, and Stern is a smart guy, but if he wanted to send a zinger back at Rome, his choice of phrases was very poor, in my opinion.

Rome no doubt was looking for a reaction with the way he asked his question. I mean, he's essentially questioning the integrity of the NBA commissioner. Most people know Rome can be an asshat, I guess what's disappointing is Stern could have gone several ways with his response and decided to take the low road.