Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan recently spoke out against NBA referees and took a potential shot at NBA commissioner Adam Silver in the process. As we all know, league referees and officials have not been portrayed in the best light this season.
Considering that there are the ones who play a significant role in the deciding of a game, arguably just as much as star players on both sides, perhaps the actor is making a valid point by trying to hold the referees accountable for their judgment calls. That said, let us take a look at what Michael is saying and whether it is actually possible to incorporate it.
Michael B. Jordan wants NBA referees to be held accountable through post-game interviews
Despite coming off as a fighter and boxer in the Creed movie franchise, it turns out that Michael is a huge fan of basketball and even played it during his days in high school. While it is unclear how good he was, he revealed to Rachel Nichols that he was considered good enough to get his jersey retired at high school.
His love for the game didn’t just end there. The actor has participated in the NBA All-Star Celebrity game and even tried his hand at coaching one year. Therefore, he is certainly well acquainted with the league and the sport. He was asked what he would want to change in the league if given the opportunity to become the NBA commissioner for a day. To that, Michael B. Jordan answered instantly and without hesitation.
“Uum 1000%! I would make referees do post-game interviews. I think that would hold accountability across the board. I need some names and faces and um answers to these calls and these technical fouls and ejections. So I think that would seriously rectify so much.”
There is no denying that Michael B. Jordan raises a very valid point. Even NBA legends like LeBron James have a problem with the officiating at times. However, it is highly unlikely for the NBA to take his suggestion seriously. After all, putting officials in the league under the microscope is something that Adam Silver would simply not want. Especially considering how direct and aggressive the media can tend to become when asking questions at times.
Nonetheless, perhaps these officials should be made accountable. After all, players are called out and critiqued for everything they say and do on and off the court. Even the coaches from both sides are usually interviewed post-game. Thus, it wouldn’t be all that far-fetched to demand game officials to undergo the same.
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