FanHouse Dick Bavetta

Let's face it, one of the reasons the NBA is trying to push out some of its older officials is because of the perception that some of those older officials tend to view themselves as bigger than the game or that they interject themselves too much into the action.

While there is no doubt most of the league's best officials don't lack for self-confidence, it's also true that this notion is overblown. Further, it's worth mentioning that the NBA always has had strong-minded and strong-willed officials ... and the league was better for it.

Great officials are just like great players in terms of confidence, competitiveness and wanting to be the best. To officiate at the highest level and for the world's greatest athletes, you have to have a presence and a tangible aura of authority.

---

---

David Stern has spoken to the media several times already, but today, the NBA held a press conference before Game 4 because they had received "so many media requests for responses from" the Commissioner.

Stern convened the press and answered plenty of questions after stating that "as part of the investigation by the independent investigator, Larry Pedowitz, that every NBA official has been interviewed and asked the question whether they have made any calls other than on the merits of the calls."

Stern also mentioned that all officials -- in light of Tim Donaghy's recent allegations -- would be reinterviewed "with respect of specific acts" and that he felt that it was unfair "that our officials now have to defend themselves from allegations by one of their fallen brethren".

Over at ESPN.com, Marc Stein's reporting that Joey Crawford might be hanging it up. That's not all, though. According to the same "informed sources," Crawford's unrepentant about ejecting Duncan. In fact, if give the chance, he'd do it all over again. He made as much clear to Stu Jackson yesterday.

So that's pretty juicy. But it has nothing on what follows: claims of a deep-seeded rivalry between Crawford and fellow refereeing elder Dick Bavetta:

Crawford also blasted fellow referee Dick Bavetta in the e-mail obtained by ESPN.com, hinting at divisions among referees between those who do and don't support Bavetta and writing that maybe Bavetta will wind up as the crew chief in Game 7 of the NBA "which is a travesty in itself you even being in the finals."

A little advice for Crawford: after Bavetta's epic race against Barkley, he's definitely winning the war of public perception. Maybe Duncan's far more of a pain in the rear than the league will ever let on. But as I said yesterday, Crawford's outburst was exactly the opposite of what people want refs to be. And even if Bavetta's no less mortal, he gives the impression of keeping order without placing himself above the game.

Then again, so did Don Corleone. Could Crawford be onto something after all?

Previously at the FanHouse:

Crawford vs Duncan: The tale of the Tape
Potential Reasons that Joey Crawford Has It in for Tim Duncan
What Should the NBA Do About Joey Crawford?
Joey Crawford Wants to Fight Tim Duncan

Just when you thought NBA All-Star Weekend couldn't get any better, comes this fantastic little bit of news from USA Today:

TNT has proposed Charles Barkley race NBA ref Dick Bavetta on Feb. 17 - the day before the NBA All-Star Game. This came after Barkley, on air, said Bavetta, 67, had "parted the Red Sea with Moses." Barkley added Bavetta's tombstone will read, "He keeled over while racing the Chuckster!" Details of the race aren't final.

Awful Announcing lists Bavetta as the early odds-on favorite at 3-1, but I think that line is way off. I mean, seriously, I'd put money on Chuck failing to even finish the race, let alone keep it close. So yeah, I've got Dickie in a cakewalk ... and well, Chucky eating cake while walking. Thoughts?