NBA Approves Replacement Refs As Labor Negotiations Stall

NBA Referees Have Voted To Decline League's Proposal

JUMP BALL: The NBA in the memo to teams said, "On Friday of last week, we reached an agreement in principal on the terms of a new two-year collective bargaining agreement with the negotiators for the National Basketball Referees Association. On Sunday night, the membership of the NBRA voted to reject that agreement. As a result, we have no expectation of concluding a timely labor contract with the NBRA, and are proceeding with replacement referees" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 9/29). In N.Y., Howard Beck cites NBRA sources as saying that the Exec Board overturning its decision reflects "philosophical differences between McMorris and the five-man board." However, Perennial Sports & Entertainment VP Lloyd Pierson, who represents the NBRA, disputed the report that the union changed its vote, saying, "The executive board is in complete agreement." Beck notes McMorris' decision to remove himself from the talks is a "highly unusual move," and his "conflict with the board raises the possibility that the union could end its association with McMorris after this round of labor talks" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/30).

CAUSE FOR CONCERN? Lakers G and NBPA President Derek Fisher said, "Players throughout the league are concerned that the use of replacement referees could compromise the integrity of our games." Nuggets coach George Karl: "I think there will be more emotion in the games, more verbal confrontation." But Karl added, "The league office will do a good job of managing the replacement referees, and hopefully sooner than later, we'll have the first-class guys back" (DENVER POST, 9/30).

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