Refs Just Helping Stern, NBA Protect Assets

Let's turn the clock back to the 1970's. The NBA was suffering through some tough times. Although there was not a lack of talented players, the league had its hand full with widespread drug abuse among its players, so much so the league finally hammered out a landmark drug policy with the NBA players association that took effect in 1983. On the court, the league suffered from a decade of parity with Eight different teams winning championships. Then came the 80's, David Stern was named NBA executive Vice President and later became the NBA's fourth commissioner in 1984. More importantly the 1979 draft ushered in Larry Bird(Celtics) and Magic Johnson(Lakers). Shortly after, Isiah Thomas(Pistons) and Michael Jordan(Bulls) followed. The NBA was reborn. Superstars and dynasties ruled the day. In the 20 year span between 1980 and 2000 the NBA saw these new super teams win 16 of the 20 titles. Great rivalries were born, shoe deals were numerous, merchandise flew of the shelf, new television deals were struck and the League was expanding. The NBA was getting fat, all under the watch of Stern. Today, players such as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant take the place of stars past and the money continues to pile up. The way I see it, referee's like Tim Donaghy have only been protecting that massive bubble that is the NBA and Mr. Stern is in the rafters pulling the strings. Unfortunately, we have all seen how ugly it can be when bubbles burst and this one may have taken all the air it can.