Lakers get their rings, then a win over Clippers 99-92 in season opener Oct 28, 2009
Commissioner David Stern handed out diamond-encrusted rings to almost everyone from last season's team except for Ron Artest, who joined the Lakers in the offseason from Houston with the sole purpose of winning a gaudy bauble for himself ... NBA Commissioner David Stern, right, gives Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant his championship ring during a ceremony before the start of Tuesday's season-opening game against the Los Angeles Clippers. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Lakers raise championship banner, get rings Oct 28, 2009
Wearing purple warmup jackets with 15 gold stars on the back, the Lakers remarkably intact roster received its rings from NBA commissioner David Stern and Lakers executive vice president Jeanie Buss. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Recap: LA Lakers vs. LA Clippers Oct 28, 2009
NBA commissioner David Stern handed out the rings. Bryant, the Finals MVP from LA's series victory over the Orlando Magic, in June, shot 11-of-26 from the field. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Maccabi coach sorry for actions against Knicks Oct 27, 2009
Pini Gershon, the coach, also said he was sorry in letters that were sent Monday to league commissioner David Stern and Knicks president Donnie Walsh, and seen by The Associated Press. "Having had time to reflect on my actions while our team was in New York, I would like to apologize to the franchise, the NBA and basketball fans not only at Madison Square Garden but throughout the country," Gershon wrote. (ESPN -- Basketball)
Season Primer Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty ImagesWith a healthy Gilbert Arenas and a new coach in Flip Saunders, the Wizards are focused on a return to the playoffs.What players and issues will dominate the NBA season ahead? Ian Thomsen knows. Oct 27, 2009
The Pressure Will Grow On David Stern And Billy Hunter As the divide grows between the rich markets and the poor, the two negotiators must work toward a reinvention of the collective bargaining agreement in hopes of avoiding a lockout in 2011-12. Which Free Agent Will Be The First To Jump. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Spurs are scoring new business Oct 26, 2009
NBA Commissioner David Stern has argued that too few teams are making money under the current agreement. He expects more revenue decreases this season. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Stern: NBA holding up in tough economy Oct 25, 2009
Despite a sluggish economy still causing concerns for many businesses, NBA Commissioner David Stern said his league is weathering the storm with only a slight decrease in season-ticket renewals from last season. In his annual tip-off teleconference, Stern said renewals are down by less than three percent from last season's 79 percent rate. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Ratto: NBA won't support refs Oct 25, 2009
After all, David Stern always calls his boys (plus Violet Palmer) "the finest officials in the world." ... After all, David Stern always calls his boys (plus Violet Palmer) "the finest officials in the world.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Opinion: SEC refs suspended, but why not Slive? Oct 23, 2009
As NBA commissioner David Stern responded wearily last October to yet another question about his refs, if skeptics only knew how frequently they "monitored, metricized, rated, reviewed and developed, you get a completely different picture than the one that I think many fans have.". Yet even with a state-of-the-art program, NFL director of officiating Mike Pereira acknowledged it comes down to the law of averages. (MSNBC -- Sports)
'Disappointing' preseason end:Blazers rout Suns in Vancouver Oct 23, 2009
Fans remembering the Vancouver Grizzlies, who left in 2001 for Memphis, waved signs saying "David Stern, give us back the NBA," and "Vancouver wants the NBA." Several members of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks had courtside seats. Portland led 36-25 after the first quarter when Roy scored 17 points, including three 3-pointers. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Isiah-Magic feud Oct 23, 2009
When the Game Was Ours credits NBA commissioner David Stern with inviting Johnson to play in the All-Star Game, despite objections from some players and owners. The book does acknowledge, however, that Thomas was the first player to embrace Johnson on the court before the game. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Stern hopeful on sale of Nets, return of referees Oct 23, 2009
NBA commissioner David Stern believes New Jersey Nets sale could be approved by year's end, hopeful for deal with referees - ESPN ... NEW YORK -- David Stern believes he could have a new owner before the year ends and his old referees before the season starts. (ESPN -- Basketball)
NBA okay with Nets' plans to play in Newark Oct 23, 2009
"Where they play is their decision, subject to approval, but there's no reason why we wouldn't approve them playing games in a beautiful new arena," NBA commissioner David Stern said. The Nets played two preseason games in Newark, both drawing far more than usual at the Izod Center. (ESPN -- Basketball)
Roy leads Trail Blazers to easy win over Suns Oct 23, 2009
Fans remembering the Vancouver Grizzlies, who left in 2001 for Memphis, waved signs saying "David Stern, give us back the NBA," and "Vancouver wants the NBA." Several mem 00004000 bers of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks had courtside seats. Portland led 36-25 after the first quarter when Roy scored 17 points, including three 3-pointers. (CBS News)
Cuban provides the voice of reason Oct 22, 2009
(Sports Network) - I get the feeling NBA commissioner David Stern cringes every time Mark Cuban opens his mouth. The Mavericks owner strikes me as a contrarian, a guy who pulls no punches and isn't all that interested in the political correctness that pervades virtually all American discourse these days. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Shock to move » Oct 21, 2009
"Cameron also is a part of the ownership group of the NBA's . He said initially there will be no connection between the Thunder and the WNBA franchise but didn't rule it out in the future."The hospitality that the NBA has received in Oklahoma has been tremendous," NBA Commissioner David Stern said in videotaped remarks shown during the news conference. "You welcomed the in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and you have embraced the Thunder and the (Tulsa) 66ers. I know you will give this WNBA team... (ESPN -- WNBA)
Sources: NBA, refs getting closer to agreement Oct 21, 2009
The NBA's locked-out referees are on the verge of a return to work next week after an unexpected meeting Tuesday in New York headlined by commissioner David Stern and Lamell McMorris of the referees' union has led to a tentative labor agreement. Sources close to the process told ESPN.com that the referees are scheduled to vote on the latest proposed agreement Friday after the sudden progress in negotiations, which comes weeks after both Stern and McMorris separately withdrew from the... (ESPN -- Basketball)
Mavericks' Cuban makes case for steroid use Oct 21, 2009
5 million he has been fined by NBA commissioner David Stern to his appearance on "Dancing With The Stars" to his days at Pitt. He called his fines for criticizing NBA officiating "money well spent" because they led to changes that improved the league. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
NBA ROUNDUP League, union turn corner in negotiations Oct 21, 2009
The breakthrough in the labor dispute came Tuesday, after a meeting that included Commissioner David Stern and referees union negotiator Lamell McMorris - who had both previously withdrawn from the process. Neither the NBA nor the National Basketball Referees Association would comment on the progress in the talks, first reported by ESPN.com. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
WNBA's Detroit franchise on move to Tulsa, Okla. Oct 21, 2009
" Cameron also is a part of the ownership group of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. He said initially there will be no connection between the Thunder and the WNBA franchise but didn't rule it out in the future. "The hospitality that the NBA has received in Oklahoma has been tremendous," NBA Commissioner David Stern said in videotaped remarks shown during the news conference. "You welcomed the New Orleans Hornets in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and you have embraced the Thunder and the (Tulsa)... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Refs could be back in time for season Oct 21, 2009
The breakthrough comes after yesterday s meeting between commissioner David Stern and referees union negotiator Lamell McMorris - who both previously had withdrawn from the process. I think it s great, said Players Association director Billy Hunter. (Boston Globe)
Whose big move will pay off most in NBA? Oct 17, 2009
Its always about the game and everything else we do is about making the stage or the presentation of the game even stronger, and the game itself is in the best shape that its ever been in, commissioner David Stern said. Our young stars, our future Hall of Famers, our rookies, our international talent pool, have made this a new golden age for the NBA.. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Lawmaker questions NBA's dealings with Greek team Oct 16, 2009
WASHINGTON - A U.S. congressman is asking NBA Commissioner David Stern why the league participated in games with a visiting Greek team that has allegedly breached contracts with former NBA players. Rep. (MSNBC -- Sports)
NormanChadCouch Slouch Some advice for NBA union refs: Rush back to the court -- ASAP. Oct 12, 2009
You can't outduel David Stern -- it's like trying swap spit with an alligator ... Even if the public were behind the refs' union, everyone storming the castle would not shake, rattle or roll David Stern, the benevolent monarch who has been NBA commissioner since 1984. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Nets’ transition game bears watching Oct 11, 2009
Commissioner David Stern visited London and Beijing last week to promote NBA Europe Live and preseason games in Mexico City and Taipei, and he addressed the financial state of the league ... Exploring Africa Commissioner David Stern said the league wants to open three offices in Africa by 2012. (Boston Globe)
* NBA: SEC appeals over dismissal of case against Mark Cuban Oct 10, 2009
In related news, NBA commissioner David Stern said on Thursday that the NBA envisions having franchise teams in European cities, although there was no timetable for the move. Stern was speaking in Taipei ahead of the first ever NBA exhibition game in the country, in which the Indiana Pacers topped the Denver Nuggets 126-104. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Stern: No timetable for possible Euro expansion Oct 9, 2009
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The NBA envisions having franchise teams in European cities, although commissioner David Stern said Thursday there was no timetable for that to happen. Stern was speaking in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei, before the first-ever NBA exhibition game on the island. (ESPN -- Basketball)
* Potent Pacers top Denver Nuggets in first NBA game Oct 9, 2009
The highly anticipated showdown saw more than its share of local celebrities, as well as having league commissioner David Stern and NBA legend Larry Bird (serving as the Pacers president of Basketball Operations) in attendance. It lived up to its hype as the sellout crowd was treated to some action from top stars that included a two-handed slam dunk by Nuggets Chris Andersen in the second quarter and three straight three-pointers by Pacers standout Danny Granger to jumpstart the Indiana... (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
* Sellout crowd to watch first NBA game in Taipei Oct 8, 2009
NBA commissioner David Stern is also scheduled to make an appearance at a press conference hosted by Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (qsy) this afternoon. The 4,000 available open tickets for todays game were sold out 15 minutes after they went on sale in June, despite prices that ranged from NT$800 to NT$12,800. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Stern still hopeful of NBA game in London Oct 7, 2009
LONDON (AP) -The NBA is still planning to play a regular-season game in London before the 2012 Olympics are hosted by the British capital, although commissioner David Stern said Tuesday that no schedule has yet been set. Stern has said that he wants to play a meaningful game at London's O2 Arena, where the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz played a preseason game Tuesday. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Bulls beat Jazz at buzzer in London exhibition Oct 7, 2009
The NBA was playing in London for the third straight preseason, and commissioner David Stern again noted he would like to have a regular-season game in the British capital before it hosts the 2012 Olympics. 2009 The Associated Press. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Gonzalez to return as Marlins’ manager Oct 7, 2009
The NBA is still planning to play a regular-season game in London before the 2012 Olympics are hosted by the British capital, although commissioner David Stern said that no schedule has yet been set. Tennessee s Negedu to sit out season Tennessee forward Emmanuel Negedu, a sophomore from Nigeria, will not play or practice during the 2009-10 season but will remain on scholarship after suffering sudden cardiac arrest last week. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
LeBron, Shaq winners Oct 7, 2009
Stern hopeful for London game: The NBA is still planning to play a regular-season game in London before the 2012 Olympics are hosted by the British capital, although commissioner David Stern said Tuesday that no schedule has yet been set. Hawks star eyes free agency: Atlanta's Joe Johnson, a three-time All-Star, top scorer and captain, plans to play out the final year of his contract this season and enter free agency instead of accepting the team's offer of an extension. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Stern eyes game in London Oct 7, 2009
NBA commissioner David Stern hopes for regular-season game in London - ESPN ... LONDON -- The NBA is still planning to play a regular-season game in London before the 2012 Olympics are hosted by the British capital, although commissioner David Stern said Tuesday that there is no set schedule. (ESPN -- Basketball)
NBA wants regular-season game in London Oct 7, 2009
David Stern, commissioner of the world's premier basketball league, revealed that it might even be possible to hold the match at London's O2 Arena next year. "Who knows? We have not set the schedule yet for 2010, so we'll see," Stern told the UK Press Association ahead of Tuesday night's preseason exhibition at the venue, in which the Chicago Bulls snatched a last-gasp 102-101 victory over the Utah Jazz in front a sell-out crowd of almost 19,000. (CNN -- International)
* NBA: NBA tells teams it will go ahead with replacement refs Oct 1, 2009
Commissioner David Stern previously ended one of the bargaining sessions when the league felt the referees backed out of previously agreed upon concessions. The NBA held training camp for referees with replacements over the weekend and will release its roster of backups before the first preseason game, scheduled for today. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Leagueset to go with replacement referees Sep 30, 2009
Commissioner David Stern previously ended one of the bargaining sessions when the league felt the referees backed out of previously agreed upon concessions. News of the memo was first reported by Yahoo. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Michael Jordan Saw Mistake of Cutting Corners: Scott Soshnick Sep 30, 2009
By even making the comparison in the first place, David Stern runs the risk of changing a craft into a job. You can find anyone to do a job, not everyone is a true craftsman. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Replacement Refs Sep 30, 2009
The memo alludes to the reversal, saying, "this is not the first time that commitments made by the NBRA's negotiators were not met." Commissioner David Stern previously ended one of the bargaining sessions when the league felt the referees backed out of previously agreed upon concessions. The NBA held referees training camp with replacements over the weekend and will release its roster of backups before the first preseason game, scheduled for Thursday. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Refs' top negotiator removes himself from talks Sep 30, 2009
NBA commissioner David Stern already took himself out of the negotiations earlier this month following McMorris' criticism of his behavior after he abruptly ended a meeting at league headquarters in New York. If a deal is not reached, the NBA will use replacements in games for the first time since early in the 1995-96 season. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Nets owner: Sale of team is final piece in move Sep 26, 2009
There are three obstacles that stand in the way: Completing the tax-exempt bond deal, dealing with the challenge to the use of eminent domain, and getting the sale of the team approved by three-quarters of the NBA's 30 teams, something that seems likely with commissioner David Stern on board. Ratner is confident about getting the bonds. (ESPN -- Basketball)
Crazy Like A Fox Sep 26, 2009
NBA, David Stern meet foreign threat head-on, and embrace it - Alexander Wolff - SI.com ... NBA Commissioner David Stern ought to be tucking into a celebratory bowl of borscht right now at the Russian Tea Room, which is a few blocks from the NBA's offices in Manhattan's Olympic Tower. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
* NBA: Russian billionaire Prokhorov agrees to deal with Nets Sep 25, 2009
NBA commissioner David Stern praised the move, saying it will help the NBA expand globally and ensures that the Nets, whose current principal owner is Bruce Ratner, will have a new arena. Interest in basketball and the NBA is growing rapidly on a global basis, and we are especially encouraged by Mr Prokhorovs commitment to the Nets and the opportunity it presents to continue the growth of basketball in Russia, Stern said in a statement. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Russian billionaire to become Nets owner Sep 24, 2009
"We are looking forward to the Nets' move to a state-of-the-art facility in Brooklyn, with its rich sport heritage," said commissioner David Stern. "Interest in basketball and the NBA is growing rapidly on a global basis and we are especially encouraged by Mr. Prokhorov's commitment to the Nets." The franchise, which got its start in the American Basketball Association, entered the NBA prior to the 1976-77 season as the New York Nets and played out of Nassau Coliseum on Long Island before moving... (ABC 7 News, DC)
NJ Nets, Russia's Richest Man Agree to Deal Sep 24, 2009
NBA Commissioner David Stern is praising the move. He says it's a chance for the NBA to expand globally and ensures that the Nets will have a new arena. (ABC 7 News, DC)
NBA, players union wrap up second meeting Sep 24, 2009
Commissioner David Stern would only say, "we're juggling a few balls. Have a wonderful day" as he hurriedly exited the hotel. Fisher said the talks have been positive thus far, but they are expected to become difficult. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Russian billionaire has deal to buy NBA's Nets Sep 24, 2009
Commissioner David Stern immediately praised the deal, saying it will help the NBA expand its reach and would ensure that the Nets, who play in the aging Izod Center in East Rutherford, will have a state-of-the-art arena. "Interest in basketball and the NBA is growing rapidly on a global basis, and we are especially encouraged by Mr. Prokhorov's commitment to the Nets and the opportunity it presents to continue the growth of basketball in Russia," Stern said in a statement. (ABC News)
Ex-ref's inclusion as replacement floors union Sep 23, 2009
And according to McMorris, he did not have his first face-to-face meeting with commissioner David Stern until several years later, when the Tim Donaghy scandal was breaking. Asked whether he believes Stern still holds a grudge against him over that incident, McMorris replied: "I'm of the belief that for quite some time that was a lingering issue, and maybe David was not terribly pleased with what took place, but we arrived at a point where I thought we'd moved beyond that.". (ESPN -- Basketball)
Grizzly details emerge Sep 20, 2009
While it s unhealthy for the league s image for players to criticize NBA policies and actions, commissioner David Stern isn t helping when he assesses fines for merely asking to be traded. While Jackson was fortunate that Golden State gave a player with his checkered background - remember his role in the Brawl at the Palace - a three-year, $30 million deal, he should have the right to express his desire to play where he wants to play or to proclaim his unhappiness, however unwarranted. (Boston Globe)
China is becoming new hoops frontier Sep 20, 2009
With China's population exceeding one billion and its surging middle class holding affection for pro basketball, NBA Commissioner David Stern has intensified efforts to make it the league's most successful market outside of the United States. In 2004, the NBA had only three full-time employees in China. (Nola.com -- Sports)
NBA ready to move ahead with replacement refs Sep 20, 2009
The league began contacting replacements last Wednesday, the day after the last face-to-face meeting between the sides in New York, which commissioner David Stern abruptly ended because he said the officials reneged on a previously agreed to proposal. McMorris said he "absolutely disputes" that, insisting replacement officials -- including some who had been fired by the league -- were contacted well before the last session. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Pacers co-owner eulogized as philanthropic man Sep 19, 2009
Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore, basketball stars Larry Bird and , and NBA Commissioner David Stern were among about 2,000 mourners who attended Simon's funeral at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck. "He made a lot of money, but he didn't sit on it," Clinton said. (ESPN -- Basketball)
NCAA President Myles Brand Dies After Battle With Cancer Sep 18, 2009
Unlike Roger Goodell, David Stern, Bud Selig and other commissioners of professional leagues, the NCAA president has no vote in policymaking. That's done by the Executive Committee and governance boards that oversees the association's three divisions. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
SteveAschburnerInside The NBA Free agency, the labor deal and Twitter will shape the season. Sep 16, 2009
Commissioner David Stern "shutting down" further talks last week, with the phrase "replacement refs" creeping into conversations for this autumn. That Dec. 15, 2010, cutoff for the owners to extend the collective bargaining agreement through 2011-12 or face a nuclear winter in July 2011. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
With labor talks stalled, NBA referees to meet Sep 16, 2009
With labor talks at a stalemate, the lead negotiator for NBA referees struck a conciliatory yet defiant tone Tuesday regarding commissioner David Stern on the eve of a crucial meeting in Chicago of the 57 NBA officials facing the prospect of a lockout ... "I respect David Stern like a son does a father, and I mean that, sincerely," McMorris told ESPN.com ... "The only thing missing from reporting over last couple days is that I believe David Stern and I genuinely like each other and gave a... (ESPN -- Basketball)
Iverson signs with Grizzlies Sep 11, 2009
reported that talks ended after commissioner David Stern abruptly halted a negotiating session Tuesday. McMorris accused Stern of being rude and not negotiating in good faith. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Celtics invite Dickau to training camp Sep 11, 2009
NBA referees preparing for lockout NBA referees are prepared to be locked out for the start of the season after negotiations with the league on a new contract broke down this week when league commissioner David Stern ended the latest bargaining session. No further talks are scheduled - and when they do resume, it ll be without the commissioner. (Boston Globe)
NBA could use replacement refs, as talks stall Sep 9, 2009
The NBA's most recent contract with its 60-plus referees expired Sept. 1 and Tuesday's bargaining session in New York was called to an abrupt halt by commissioner David Stern, according to one source with knowledge of the talks. No further talks are scheduled between the sides with only 22 days before the league's first scheduled exhibition game Oct. 1. (ESPN -- Basketball)
Q & A with Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News Sep 4, 2009
DeCourcy: I seem to be a lone voice on this or maybe its me, David Stern and Myles Brand signing a trio but I believe its the best development in the game in more than a decade. I dont see how it could be bad for college basketball for such players as , , and to have played at the Division I level. (BigBlueNation.com)
NBA goes global Aug 25, 2009
NBA commissioner David Stern claimed that fewer than half of his league's teams made money. Earlier, during an NBA Finals news conference, Stern projected losses of up to 10 percent of revenue in 2009-10. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Forbes: Recession? No sign of it in college football Aug 17, 2009
NBA franchises, more than half of which lost money this past season, according to Commissioner David Stern, scrambled to offer fans food and ticket discount plans and other creative packages to keep them coming through the doors. Even the resilient NFL saw a 1 percent attendance dip in 2008, and the league expects another small drop this year. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Versus Takes Sports Business Show Aug 13, 2009
Future installments will include exclusive interviews with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, PGA of America CEO Joe Steranka and NBA commissioner David Stern. "This show is an exciting new venture for us," said Lazarus, who serves as president, media and marketing, CS&E, in a statement. (Multichannel News)
NBA, union open collective bargaining talks Aug 5, 2009
NBA commissioner David Stern has said the central issue will be the split in revenues, with the players currently collecting 57 percent. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Outside Looking In Aug 1, 2009
A smart play given the financial situation in Phoenix, but a curious one from a man who reportedly told then-MLB commissioner Fay Vincent that he despised him and NBA commish David Stern because they had no money invested in the sport. And also a man who felt so much affection for his Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls that he said he'd trade all six of his NBA championship rings for just one World Series title. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NHL)
Following his team from the inside Aug 1, 2009
Sam Forencich/NBA PhotosMike Barrett (left) and broadcast partner Mike Rice (right) talk with NBA Commissioner David Stern. Barrett has done Blazers TV play-by-play since 2002. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)