Larry Brown fined for run in with replacement official

The NBA may have a very large problem on its hands. The 57 regular officials are essentially on strike/being locked out over a contract dispute, and the pre-season has begun with the use of replacement referees. The League knowing coaches and players would try to persuade the officials by publicly criticizing them, or trying to bully them, has implemented a zero tolerance policy over complaints about how they are officiating the game. Larry Brown and the Charlotte Bobcats has bec0me the first victims of said policy.

Brown was fined 60 grand for an altercation with a replacement official on Wednesday, and his team was fined an additional 60 grand after Brown was injected. Official Kevin Scott, who has worked College and pro am games, whistled Brown for two technical fouls in a Monday night exhibition game. After receiving the second technical Brown lingered in the court area, before Scott called for security, when Brown voluntarily left for the locker room. Memphis Grizzlies Coach Lionel Hollins was also fined for criticizing the replacement officials in a separate game Monday night.

The league may have a big problem on their hands, as these replacement officials are likely not to call the games they way NBA Head Coaches and NBA players are use too. The regular NBA refs are looking for a new contract, but the NBA is trying to cut costs including retirement benefits, Per Diem, and travel expenses. The regular NBA officials rejected the latest offer made by the NBA.