Replacement run nearing an end

PORTLAND, Ore. – Before negotiators for the NBA and its referees union agreed on the framework for a new contract Tuesday, as reported by the New York Times’ Howard Beck, replacement refs were starting to catch a fair amount of flak from some around the league for what was perceive to be sub-standard work.
Mostly, the argument would go, they’ve been quick to make calls – and simply aren’t accustomed to the speed of the pro game at the highest level.
But after seeing Charlotte coach Larry Brown get fined $60,000, Orlando’s Stan Van Gundy $35,000 and Lionel Hollins of Memphis $25,000 by the NBA for their recent criticism of the criticism of the replacements, and their teams fined the same respective amounts, Jazz coach Jerry Sloan – not that he’s had any major issues to dispute – has been quite cognizant of the need to be careful with what he’s said during and after preseason games.
It was that way, in fact, even before the fines were levied.
“I’ve kind of had that approach to begin with,” Sloan said, “because these guys are thrown in a tough situation, and they’re wanting to do the best they can, and we want them to be as good as they can be.”
The replacement refs have been working because of the labor dispute between the NBA and its locked-out regular referees.
They’re scheduled to work tonight’s Jazz preseason game at Portland as well, but soon, it seems now, their short run will be done.
A few of the best, though, may survive to some day work regular-season games – if Sloan is to be believed.
Said the Jazz coach earlier this week: “… Some of these guys are going to be good officials, I think.”

-30-