In what has "amounted to a monthslong media tour," NBPA Exec Dir Michele Roberts has "detailed her personal problems with the NBA’s business structure," according to Keh & Araton of the N.Y. TIMES. She has "forcefully questioned the league’s pay model and labeled its entire cadre of owners as replaceable." She has "directly criticized" NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, "accusing him of violating" the CBA. All of this has "apparently been done with a purpose." Roberts has "felt compelled to establish her own presence on the national stage so that she can compete with Silver’s growing aura." She is aware that former NBA Commissioner David Stern was able to "overshadow her predecessor, Billy Hunter." As a result, it has "become imperative for her to come across as a strong figure." ESPN analyst Len Elmore said, “Whether the issues will later allow it or not, she can create the perception that she will be Adam’s equal. It’s important that she have their attention, and not just when they get around to collective bargaining.” Roberts said that her "recent visibility in media outlets had 'helped set the table' as she has settled into her new role." Keh & Araton note any "substantive negotiations with the league will take place in private." But Roberts said that the "continuing act of shaping the perceptions of the NBA was crucial, even at this early stage." Stanford professor William Gould IV said that Roberts' statements signified her desire to "'rally the troops, restore their confidence in collective bargaining, instill some credibility in terms of her own leadership' and to show her constituents that she was willing to challenge Silver, however popular he may now be." Gould: "This guy is kind of walking on water right now. I think probably she wants to chip away at that a little bit and also feel him out" (N.Y. TIMES, 11/26). See the sports business portfolio for the NBPA at Resource Guide LIVE.
