Atlanta Hawks Owner's Fine from NBA for Controversial Comments Is Slap on Wrist
Atlanta Hawks' owner Michael Gearon Jr. got caught being too much of a fan, and his comments got him fined (in my sarcastic voice) a whopping $35,000. This per ESPN's John Hollinger who tweeted the following:
"NBA fines Hawks owner Michael Gearon $35,000 for "publicly criticizing officiating and making negative comments about an opposing player."
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) May 12, 2012"
This is nothing for an NBA owner, the consequence comes in the reprimand, not the actual fine. I find it refreshing to hear an owner talk like a regular, extremely biased and delusional fan of his team.
Gearon went in on the league for a foul disparity, saying, "we don't get any calls." We've all heard that phrase uttered among our friends, but an owner can't just be one of the guys.
An owner publicly questioning the integrity of NBA officials isn't professional and it's not a good look for the league—no matter how true it may be. I'm not saying I agree with him, but I can understand how owners may have to bite the blood out of their tongues to keep from speaking up about the officiating.
The entire theme of his comments weren't just about the officiating. Gearon also came after Boston Celtics' big man, Kevin Garnett, calling him "the dirtiest player in the league." Most everyone that watches the NBA would either agree with that, or they at least have KG in their top five filthiest.
Still, as an owner, you can't say such a thing—even if you did witness KG punch Channing Frye in the genitalia.
The fine Gearon Jr. received will probably be paid with little grief, but the Hawks' owner must learn to show more restraint when discussing NBA officials and players.
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