Spurs star Tim Duncan hopes he and his team are treated fairly by NBA officials after the suspension of NBA referee Joey Crawford.
Crawford has worked more postseason games than any other active referee and was suspended indefinitely by NBA commissioner David Stern for his conduct toward Duncan during a recent game. Crawford’s suspension will last at least until the NBA Finals are over.
Duncan said he didn’t do anything to get the reaction he got from Crawford, so he doesn’t think he had anything to do with it. He hopes that NBA officials take that into account and that the Spurs get a fair deal.
Crawford ejected Duncan from the Spurs’ game against Dallas after committing a second technical foul on Duncan as Duncan sat on the bench laughing.
Duncan said Crawford looked at him and asked if he wanted to fight. He further added that he had no idea why Crawford would ask him that in the middle of the game. Duncan said that he has no problem if Crawford wants to fight him. He is ready for it.
Crawford was suspended for improper conduct and inappropriate comments made to Duncan during the game. Commissioner Stern said Crawford failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management expected of NBA referees.
Commissioner Stern further added that Crawford had had similar prior actions and was therefore being suspended. However, Commissioner Stern acknowledged that Crawford was consistently rated as one of the best referees in the NBA. The NBA is ready to discuss the matter further with Crawford after the season.
Duncan was fined $25,000 by the NBA for verbally abusing an NBA official. Crawford said Duncan used a swear word to refer to him. Duncan sensed that his reaction was rather mild considering the incident, but he understood why the ticket was issued.