AP: NBA: Referees' union expects a lockout by the league

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20090918_NBA___Referees__union_expects_a_lockout_by_the_league.html

Posted on Fri, Sep. 18, 2009


NBA: Referees' union expects a lockout by the league

Associated Press

NEW YORK - The lead negotiator and spokesman for the NBA's referees union said yesterday that a lockout appears "imminent and unavoidable" after the latest breakdown in talks.
Lamell McMorris said the officials made another $1 million in concessions in their proposal but said it appeared the league was not interested in further discussions. The officials then headed home after spending 24 hours meeting.

The contract between the NBA and its officials expired Sept. 1, and the sides have been trying to reach a new two-year deal. McMorris said they largely agree on salaries, but the union has balked at the league's attempt to change retirement benefits.

Without a new deal, replacement officials will be used when preseason play opens Oct. 1.

Jurisprudence. A judge in Santa Ana, Calif., ruled that Kobe Bryant's former housekeeper, Maria Jimenez, can continue her wrongful-discharge case but cannot sue the Lakers star for emotional distress.

FULL story at link.

[underpants]

1. That's fine-the way they call games they don't actually have to be in the arena

in fact they can just go ahead and anticipate calls based mainly on players reputation before the season even starts.

There will be a whistle blown in the last 45 seconds of game 3 of the title series we already know that