Commish: Refs Violated Casino Ban, But Won't Be Punished

Draconian gambling rules under reform
By Jesse Andrews,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 26, 2007 1:14 AM CDT
Commish: Refs Violated Casino Ban, But Won't Be Punished
NBA commissioner David Stern speaks during a news conference regarding the betting probe against NBA referee Tim Donaghy in New York, July 24, 2007. Stern acknowledged Thursday Oct. 25, 2007 that more than half of his 56 referees had violated NBA policies about casino gambling, but said none will be...   (Associated Press)

Despite violating the NBA's stringent gambling rules, over half of the league's referees will not be punished, announced commissioner David Stern. The current rules forbid all gambling, an overly strict policy that has been improperly enforced, according to Stern; among other changes, he is likely to allow non-sports-related wagers in casinos.

"I determined going into a casino isn't a capital offense," explained Stern, according to the Associated Press, clarifying, "It's too easy to issue rules that are on their faith violated by $5 Nassau, sitting at a poker table, buying a lottery ticket, and then we can move along." (More NBA stories.)

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