Can the NBA Fine Maccabi's Coach?
As Gershon made his point, drawing NBA security officials over to plead for his cooperation, the crowd (and Knicks) waited. Eventually, a prominent Israeli rabbi (!) convinced Gershon to leave the court so the game could resume. The New York Post suggests Knicks prez Donnie Walsh left the Garden infuriated at the behavior. I can't imagine Stern -- who bristles at any criticism of any refs the league employs -- felt differently.
But Maccabi in particular remains a huge draw as the first team of Israel. The Kings are in the planning stages to hold an exhibition in Tel Aviv next fall, with rookie Omri Casspi -- who in a few weeks will become the first Israeli to play in the NBA -- as the connection. Stern will likely do little more than politely ask future visiting teams to respect NBA officials, whether they are replacements or not.




