NBA Referee Gambling Allegations a Tragedy to NBA Legends

NEW YORK – Len Elmore, president of the National Basketball Retired Players Association, has issued the following statement:

“The allegations that an NBA referee wagered on games he officiated and possibly manipulated the outcomes of games for financial gain stand as a tragic disappointment, not just for NBA fans, current players and everyone directly associated with the league, but also for the men who made this game, the members of the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA). Nearly 1,000 strong, the Legends of Basketball established the foundation for professional basketball as we know it today. From the NBA’s inception, these men, through their blood, sweat and tears, established the public trust in the game through genuine competition, integrity and grace. The allegations of an official wagering on, and possibly manipulating games, have seriously impaired that public trust. At the very least, the honor of our sport has been damaged.

There is a tremendous amount of work to be done in restoring that public trust. The NBRPA believes that Commissioner Stern has, in the past, demonstrated the decisiveness and crisis-management skills necessary to alter the current downward spiral precipitated by the allegations. However, we urge the Commissioner to immediately adopt measures that begin to heal the damage done to the game. Those measures must include intensive and frequent background investigations of all officials and performing frequent random polygraph testing of referees in a manner analogous to the current random drug testing of players so common in professional sports. Without these fundamental measures, it is impossible to assure the restoration of that public trust so vital to the continued future of the NBA.

The history and integrity of our great game is at stake.” 
 
ABOUT THE NBRPA/LEGENDS OF BASKETBALL:

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is a non-profit organization comprised of former professional basketball players committed to developing and utilizing their community stature to support and participate in socially responsible global initiatives that focus on, but not limited to, education, health and children’s causes. Beyond providing scholarship and financial aid to members in need, the NBRPA serves its membership through a variety of post-retirement objectives, including advocacy on pension issues, support in career transition and participation in community service. Founded in 1992 by Legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson, the Association works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. The NBRPA Board of Directors includes Legends Rick Barry; Junior Bridgeman; Emmette Bryant; Mark Eaton; Len Elmore; Tom Hoover; Maurice Lucas; Earl Monroe; Jeff Mullins; Tom “Satch” Sanders; Danny Schayes and Buck Williams.

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Talia Bargil
NBRPA, Director of Communications
475 Park Ave. South, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10016
(P): 212-251-0368
(F): 212-251-0389
www.legendsofbasketball.com