WHY JOEY?

by Mac G, Mac G's World

While watching Game 5 of the New Orleans Hornets/San Antonio Spurs game last night, a chubby, fat bald ref came across my screen: Mr. Joey Crawford.

Yes, the same Joey Crawford, who was suspended from the end of last year's regular season and playoffs for his high profile incident with Tim Duncan.

In case you forgot, here is a video refresher:



Crawford was up to his tired, typical combative style last night.

Both teams were called for delaying the game by Crawford while the Hornets’ Melvin Ely was at the free-throw line with 10.5 seconds left in the period. Hornets players Bonzi Wells and David West went back and forth across the lane trying to decide where to line up, and the Spurs adjusted each time. When Crawford called a delay of game on both teams, Popovich protested.

His protest continued between the quarters, and he was given a technical foul by Crawford, who appeared to poke his finger in Popovich’s chest during the argument.

Fan IQ has video of the technical. Crawford's refereeing had little impact on the game as the contest was decided by New Orleans blitzing the Spurs in the 3rd quarter, 28-11, with clamp down D and a fluid offense. David West was unstoppable and CP3 was his typical, electric self.

Duncan actually got away with some over the backs fouls and Chris Paul was called for a questionable charge by Crawford.

My bigger question to the NBA is why Joey Crawford is doing a NBA playoff game period, let alone a Spurs game? Having Crawford ref a Spurs game, when his personal hatred of Tim Duncan is well documented, immediately questions the integrity of the officiating and thus creates an unfair situation for the Spurs and the Hornets.

Was Tim Donaghy unavailable to blow the whistle because his Hold Em tourney ran late?

It still baffles me that multi billion dollar professional sports enterprises are officiated and the results heavily influenced by humans in their 50's, even though common sense would tell you people much younger would be more physically and mentally equipped to get the calls correct.

HT: The Spurs Report for the Crawford Fish Picture