David Stern issued the following statement in responce to Gregg Popovich resting his starters on a national TV game at the defending champion Miami Heat:
“I apologize to all NBA fans,” Stern said in a statement that was released after the Spurs-Heat game had tipped off. “This was an unacceptable decision by the San Antonio Spurs and substantial sanctions will be forthcoming.”
Let’s break this down.
Pop has an obligation to his ownership. That is the only person(s) that he has to be accountable to. It’s the team’s decision to allow him to make the decision he made on Thursday night. What does NBA stand to lose here? Money. So it’s simple…the league will fine the San Antonio Spurs and let them know that a repeat of these actions may cause more sever punishment next time.
It’s not about Thursday night….,it’s about future coaches doing a similar thing.
The image of the NBA, in coporate eyes, is at stake.
Oh, and David Silver’s future legacy…..
UPDATE: (11/30/12) The NBA fined the San Antonio Spurs $250,ooo for resting their players on Thursday at Miami.
GREGG POPOVICH SHOULD BE SUSPENDED.