Part2
Part3
Part4
Independent Article that talks about Refs/Players Relationship
Full Story
Karla Knafel filed a lawsuit in 2002 against Michael Jordan, her former lover, and it was filled with the kinds of juicy revelations that make news cycles dizzy.
One of the details that made a brief appearance and then was largely forgotten is now the most interesting, at least in light of the officiating scandal that is threatening to swallow the NBA.
The lawsuit describes how Jordan and Knafel met:
"In the spring of 1989, Karla was working as a vocalist touring in a band that performed at a hotel in Indianapolis. After Karla's performance, Eddie Rush, an NBA referee, approached her and complimented her about her singing talent. During their conversation, Karla and Mr. Rush talked about the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan, who were in town to play the Indianapolis Pacers.
“Mr. Rush told Karla that he personally knew Jordan. To prove it, he telephoned Jordan at Jordan's Indianapolis hotel room and introduced him to Karla over the phone. Karla and Jordan then chatted for a while."
Back in 2002, I wrote about how unsettling it was that a referee was so chummy with an NBA player that he could pick up the phone and, perhaps unknowingly, help launch an affair. What else might a referee be able to do? What might a referee want in return for a favor? I contacted the NBA, which said it would look into the matter. A spokesman talked about the importance of limited contact between referees and players off the court. And then the story went away.
Except it didn't really go away, at least not in the broader sense of what's transpiring as the league wades through the allegations of former ref Tim Donaghy. Besides charging that two officials affected the outcome of a 2002 playoff game, he says that many referees are pals with general managers, coaches and players. He states that officials ask for autographs from players and socialize with coaches. One referee even played tennis regularly with a coach, Donaghy said.
The Jordan-Knafel story involving Ed F. Rush would seem to back up Donaghy's contention that fraternization between refs and players happens. It might even be the norm: business as usual.
One of the absolutes in sports is that the people who officiate the games have to be above reproach. You might be of the opinion that they can't see straight, but you're supposed to believe their failure to see properly is a function of poor eyesight, not gambling debts, bribery or pressure from the league office. Or their friendship with players.
As Commissioner David Stern correctly points out, the ugly allegations are coming from a man who is trying to save what's left of his skin. Donaghy has pleaded guilty to passing along inside information on NBA games to gamblers. Whatever he says should be met with extreme skepticism. When Jose Canseco alleged widespread steroid use in baseball, you could look at the pumped-up bodies of players and admit he might have a point. Donaghy's allegations are subtler.
But Stern knows he has a terrible situation on his hands, one that questions the integrity of his game—integrity being the most important thing of all. The public perception of a conspiracy now exists. And, as Stern also has to know, the perception of a conspiracy might as well be the real thing.
So are refs and players too close for comfort, is there a problem?
btw does anyone know the ref who lives in Denver that Karl was referring to?
or the ref who asked jordan for his shoes during a playoff game?
both refs are still in the league....we need some guesses people!!
and did anyone have a doubt (before they said) it was sweet old vendetta bavetta bringing the cookies to his fav coach?
