MVN: Most Valuable Network

NBA referee Joey Crawford was reinstated today after being suspended indefinitely on April 17th for an altercation with Tim Duncan.  Crawford ejected Duncan in the third quarter of that game for laughing on the bench.  Well, there were more words that led up to it, but that generalization is consistent with the league's suspension of Crawford.  According to David Stern (as reported by the Philadelphia Daily News):

"I am satisfied that Joey understands the standards of game management and professionalism the NBA expects from him and that he will be able to conduct himself in accordance with those standards."

Just like disgraced referee Tim Donaghy, Crawford is also an alumnus of Cardinal O'Hara high school.  Steve Javie is also a graduate of O'Hara.  It's all coming apart for Donaghy.  His wife filed for divorce earlier this month.  She's filed for alimony, full custody of the kids, and exclusive use of their $1.35 million dollar home.

As for Donaghy's cohorts, James Battista is not seeking a plea agreement.  Battista's lawyer, Jack McMahon, wants to go to trial and for Donaghy to take the stand.  An extension was filed for the issuance of indictments, with the reasoning of being "engaged in plea negotiations which they believe are likely to result in a disposition of the case without trial."  The extension was granted for December 13.  Thomas Martino might take a plea, but Battista's camp is clear that they want their shot at Donaghy.

And now, I appeal to the referees who are in good standing.  To make the case that Donaghy is an isolated rogue, David Stern and the front office has successfully isolated and removed the disgraced official from your ranks.  However, his actions on the court over the past few seasons haven't separated him out for the league's internal checks and balances to discover his violations before they were brought to the attention of the league by the FBI.  To each referee, it is your solemn duty to call the game fairly and according to the rules. 

There should be no preferential treatments, be it teams or players.  We need to enter this coming season with a promise of a level playing field.  Too many times in the past, the players have relied on the officiating to tilt the outcome in their favor.  The players must determine the outcome of games.  That also comes down to the players deciding games and not looking to the officials to make a determination, but the competition must be fair.

Let me make this clear - the Sixers still have to earn some respect.  They are young and still learning, but that shouldn't present an unfair advantage to the opponent.  Both teams need to have the same opportunity from the tip.  I'm looking for a more competitive league this year.  Referees and fans alike must allow the Sixers to go through their growing pains.  At least this year, it appears the Sixers have a direction.  From the bottom looking up, they should get their chances.