Quarter-million fine imposed NBA to San Antonio, left their stars to rest
28.07.2013
San Antonio Spurs took a solid fine of 250,000 dollars after leaving their holders to fully relax intentional in the match against the champion Miami. The head coach Gregg Popovich send home his stars before the end of the series visits for the "Spurs", which was determined by the NBA as disrespect. League commissioner David Stern spoke sharply against the actions of San Antonio, and announced the fine imposed.
Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Danny Green haven't arrived with their teammates in Miami, but straight traveled to the home, after five of the six consecutive away games.
Stern said that "The Spurs" have done that against the "obligations to the league and the fans."
"The result here is dictated by the sum facts," said the commissioner. "San Antonio has decided to leave outside the group four of their top players for the game, which is actually their only visit in Miami. They did not inform Miami, the media, or the League. Under these circumstances, we think that San Antonio has not fulfilled their obligations to the League and the fans."
Each team is required to report as soon as it is aware that some players will not travel because of injury. Leaving of basketball players to rest against the interest of the NBA, is contrary to the rules of the League.
And previously was discussed the issue of penalties for leaving to rest healthy athletes, but generally the teams do that at the end of the season, not one month after the start.
San Antonio needs more vacation days for their aging stars, but this is not the way, according to the NBA.
The League is an industry with a turnover of five billion dollars per year, so the teams must submit their best possible product, especially in a game broadcast on the national television. The fans are also looking forward to such large impacts.
Many experts, however, supported the decision of Gregg Popovich, and some have announced strongly opposed to the punishment. According to the Boston coach Doc Rivers, the penalty will not prevent the teams to give rest of their stars.
Neither the NBA nor San Antonio have made more comments on this topic.
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