NBA referee Joey Crawford has been indefinitely suspended for improper conduct toward Tim Duncan during the San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks game on April 15, it was announced today by NBA Commissioner David Stern. The conduct included Crawford's assessment of a second technical foul and ejection of Duncan following laughter by the player while he was seated on the bench, and inappropriate comments made to Duncan during the game. Crawford's suspension will cover at least the remainder of the 2006-07 season, including the NBA Playoffs and Finals. "Joey Crawford's handling of this situation failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees," said Stern. "Especially in light of similar prior acts by this official, a significant suspension is warranted. Although Joey is consistently rated as one of our top referees, he must be held accountable for his actions on the floor, and we will have further discussions with him following the season to be sure he understands his responsibilities." The incidents occurred with 1:04 remaining in the third period of the Mavericks 91-86 win over the Spurs on Sunday, April 8 at American Airlines Center.http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/456...ford_suspended/
Great job by Stern here. He needed to come down hard on Crawford and didn't pull any punches. If he protected Crawford it'd do nothing but further alienate Stern from the players
Finally Stern makes a right move I mean I really dont get it if Duncan got a T for laughing then why didnt he give it to Horry as well because they both laughed meh anyways I'm glad hes suspended and deserved it.
Definitely great to see Stern do the right thing in this situation, but it isn't surprising to me at all... especially after reading this last night:<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>A little over a year ago, a little birdie who has been around the NBA almost as long as I have been alive told me a little story about Joey Crawford, who ejected Tim Duncan from Sunday's Mavs-Spurs game for laughing -- yes, laughing -- from the bench.For the blow-by-blow of what happened Sunday, including Duncan's claim afterward that Crawford challenged him to a fight, be sure to check out Marc Stein's latest blog entry.What I'm here to give you is a little Insider background, as well as the following quasi-prediction: It would not surprise me if Crawford loses his whistle for the upcoming postseason.Here's why:That little birdie I spoke of before told me that Crawford was summoned to the league office in New York by Commissioner David Stern nearly four years ago following his antics in Game 2 of the 2003 Western Conference finals.Crawford had called four technical fouls in the first 10 minutes, 11 seconds and ejected Mavs coaches Don Nelson and Del Harris. Here's the way I reported that story way back then when I was the pool reporter who interviewed Crawford in the officials' locker room after the game.Stern, from what I was told, was livid that Crawford had become the story of Game 2, and Crawford was told that if it ever happened again, the consequences would be serious.</div>
wow, I totally underestimated stern, I thought he'd be a dick and do everything to make it seem like tim was in the wrong, stern gained a lot of respect from me...........like he cares lol.........
Thank god he suspended this idiot. Did anyone hear the conversation Crawford had with Finley and Popovich. He was like "he was mocking us, I won't stand for that". The guy was on the bench and he was laughing, I mean are you kidding me Crawford. Is that a new rule, players can't show emotion on the bench? Robert Horry was sitting right next to Duncan and was laughing too. Why didn't he T him up?
Pssh, suspended? He should of fired his ass. Great move by Stern though to suspend him. He just went wayy over board with Duncan.
Asking Duncan if he wanted to fight probably had alot to do with it...That just isn't professional at all.....good move...Crawford was just out to get Duncan that game...pretty embarassing though for a referee to be suspended.. I bet he will lose alot of respect from people all around the League.
Also, Duncan for the most part is a really humble guy and an NBA Icon... it would be unusual for him to be ejected for any reason usually..
Man, Duncan's always complaining to the refs during games. It's not hard to see him getting technicals here and there.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CB4AllStar @ Apr 17 2007, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Man, Duncan's always complaining to the refs during games. It's not hard to see him getting technicals here and there.</div>I agree. But there is no excuse for what Joe Crawford did. It is definitely warrented.
Like someone in my other Crawford thread said, Crawford seems to think the crowd is out there to see him. Good move.
I am soooo happy to hear this. Crawford has been my least favorite official since the Lakers dynasty when he gave Shaq so many calls. I'm so happy he won't be reffing any Suns games this postseason.
I think this is definitely appropriate....It was obvious that Stern gave him the 2nd tech for personal reasons, and when a ref takes things too far and abusses his power, action needs to be taken. Im glad to see Stern do this.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Stern: Crawford 'Probably Doesn't Wish To Work In The NBA Anymore'ESPN/Pardon The Interruption - In an interview on ESPN's 'Pardon the Interruption,' David Stern spoke about the suspension of referee Joey Crawford."In fairness, he doesn't think he did anything wrong and probably doesn't wish to work in the NBA anymore," said Stern.Stern discussed Crawford's behavior with him in the past.Crawford has been suspended indefinitely, including the remainder of the 2006-2007 season and the playoffs.</div>
