The NBA "is about to face a crisis" as another "wave of
indictments" of league referees for tax fraud will be handed
down before the end of the regular season, according to Mike
Monroe of the DENVER POST. Monroe added that "no fewer than
six of the league's best" refs, "veterans who each worked at
least one game of last season's NBA Finals, will be included
in the latest round of official charges to be filed." A
source told Monroe that "as many" as 15 refs say they expect
to be charged before April 15 (DENVER POST, 3/29). NBA
Senior VP/Operations Rod Thorn said the league could lose up
to 20 game officials, who would be replaced by college and
CBA refs. Thorn: "We know of the investigation, but we just
aren't exactly sure what the total picture is going to be"
(Dwain Price, FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 3/28).
MORE LABOR PAINS: In N.Y., Mitch Lawrence wrote that the
Heat and Lakers voted against reopening the CBA. Lawrence
wrote that during a lockout, "you will know there is a big
crack in player ranks if they all go off like a bunch of
sheep" to the World Championships in Greece. Lawrence: "If
the players boycott that event, that will send a strong
message to the league about solidarity" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS,
3/29). Reports in the BOSTON GLOBE and L.A. TIMES had the
Celtics and Blazers as the two dissenting votes (3/29).
...In Chicago, Lacy Banks quoted Bob Cousy: "As founder of
the [PA], my sympathies still lie with labor. But I think we
have absolute chaos in the league at the moment. It's
different if one of the sides is not being fairly
compensated. But that's not the case" (SUN-TIMES, 3/29).
....NBPA Exec Dir Billy Hunter was in Seattle where he was
questioned by Sonics coach George Karl on why former ABA/NBA
players aren't eligible for the NBA's pension program.
Hunter told Karl to send a formal complaint, "which he would
use to get Karl his due." In Seattle, Nunyo Demasio: "[I]f
Hunter's exchange with Karl is indicative of his ability to
compromise with management, then fans might not have to deal
with a strike or lockout" (SEATTLE TIMES, 3/28).
