The NBA might have a new image problem

Not too long ago, it was the players who were ruining the league. The tattoo having, drug using, fan beating, Hip Hop listening NBA thugs with their crossover dribbles and selfish play were changing the game for the worse. Allen Iverson’s Sports Illustrated cover was considered ‘disgusting.’ The memo was out: Basketball had become too-black for white America.

And whether this was a problem or not, the NBA addressed it as such. In came a dress code along with stiffer fines and suspensions for players who acted out. The officials called more fouls and set out to put an end to the blatant violations that were all too common in this streetball-minded league. The league even stepped it up philanthropically with its NBA Cares initiative - Would a thug really build a house with Habitat for Humanity? This was the NBA’s response to its image problem.

Now it’s the players who should be asking questions and deserve to see action taken, starting with an outside investigation of referees and league officials, both current and former, to see if Tim Donaghy’s recent allegations regarding the altering of playoff games have any validity. And they might. Long before Donaghy ever opened his mouth, the running joke in all sports has been that the leagues would rather see big market teams playing in the most important games. The ratings for a Pistons/Spurs NBA Finals or a Giants/Angels World Series only seemed to back that theory up.

But if Donaghy’s allegations become revelations and the laughing matter becomes fact, serious repercussions need to be taken. People should be fired and David Stern should be pressured to step down.

It all starts with an investigation that better happen soon. Because if it doesn’t, the league will have a whole new image problem. One that you can’t cover up with a dress code.

Tim Donaghy has more credibility than David Stern. – Clubhouse Cancer
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