NBA Lockout: Stubborn David Stern Lays Down Law, Adds to Power-Hungry Image

David Stern has been portrayed as a dictator and by flexing his muscles and putting his foot down, he's only adding to the notion that his ego is one of the key factors that is keeping the lockout from being lifted.

Stern has offered up a 50-50 revenue split and a a 72-game schedule, according to CBS, and the commissioner says that's where the negotiating stops.

"There comes a time when you have to be through negotiating, and we are."

Drawing a line in the sand isn't the way to get a deal worked out. By insinuating that Stern and the league have the authority to do so trivializes the players' efforts and will only agitate the other side of the negotiations.

Obviously Stern feels the offer is fair. Presenting an ultimatum and throwing his hands in the air is a move that will essentially force this process to take a step backwards.

It irks people to hear that Stern is unwilling to compromise any further. Everyone wants a deal to get done and Stern's unwillingness to even hear what the other side has to say gives merit to the perception that egos are keeping this deal from being done.

Stern is in a position of authority, but holding the season hostage from the players because he can isn't good for his image.

It doesn't seem as though Stern's goal is to win over the masses or win a popularity contest. The players eventually have to budge and while the players caving would be great for the fans, the players would validate Stern's belief that he has complete control over the league.