National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern, in a story in the New York Times on Tuesday, admits the league made mistakes in introducing a new ball that has proved unpopular with players.
”I won’t make a spirited defence with respect to the ball,” Stern told the Times. ”In hindsight, we could have done a better job. With respect to the ball, I take responsibility for that.”
Stern’s comments come just days after the NBA Players Association filed a pair of unfair labour practice complaints with the National Labour Relations Board. One was related to the ball, a microfibre composite model that replaced the previous leather ball.
The union complained that its members were not informed or asked about changes to the game.
Since the NBA changed balls for the first time since 1970, Many players have complained about the unnatural feel of the new ball, while a scant few have lauded its ability to ”grab” the rim and backboard, making for softer shots.
The league has said that the new ball has a consistency not found in leather balls, which wear more easily and have more seams.
”On every test, historically that has been done, this ball tests out much more consistent,” Stern told the newspaper. ”But if our players are unhappy, then we’re unhappy.
”We get every ball from every team. We go back. We have it taken apart. We do all kinds of tests. And that’s a continuing process.”
The NBA did test the ball before introducing it in the pre-season, and when complaints surfaced Stern turned a deaf ear saying the new ball was here to stay.
However, he seems to have softened that stance.
”I’m not pleased, but I’m realistic,” he told the paper. ”We’ve got to do the right thing here. And of course, the right thing is to listen to our players. Whether it’s a day late or not, we’re dealing with this.” – AFP
