Rage at referees is all the rage in professional sports. Michael Lewis visits a replay center that’s trying to do the impossible: adjudicate fairness.
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Explicit content warning
04/02/19 • 37 min
11 Listeners
Against the Rules with Michael Lewis - Ref, You Suck!
Transcript Summary
In the episode titled "Ref, You Suck!" of the podcast "Against the Rules", host Michael Lewis delves into the contentious relationship between referees and players in the NBA. From a vivid description of being in Secaucus, New Jersey, surrounded by concrete and chain restaurants, to the NBA Replay Center where referees review calls made by their peers, Lewis explores the challenges referees face in making fair calls and dealing with player behavior. The episode touches on racial biases, the increased animosity between referees and players, and the measures taken by the NBA to improve refereeing, such as expanding the pool of referees and publishing their mistakes. It also highlights the growing anger and threats referees experience from fans, to the point where they require bodyguards to escape after games. Lewis emphasizes the importance of fairness in the game and how the NBA's Replay Center aims to reduce errors and maximize equity. This thought-provoking episode sheds light on the authority and legitimacy of referees in an environment where star players challenge their calls and privileged individuals tend to disregard rules, creating an atmosphere of inequality. Lewis concludes the episode by discussing the podcast "Against the Rules" as a platform for exploring these issues further.
Transcript
Pushkin. So we're walking across a parking lot in Secaucus, New Jersey. We're surrounded by concrete, nothing green. It took a lot to get me to this place. Their chain hotel and motels in someone's idea of the wall. But I have a hunch, a suspicion about the crisis that we find ourselves in. It's filled with cheap chain restaurants and we're surrounded on all sides by freeways. It's like what people think about when they tell jokes about New Jerse
Ref, You Suck! Top Questions Answered
How does the NBA Replay Center help minimize errors in referee calls?
The NBA Replay Center reviews referee calls in real-time and uses 110 screens to show live footage from 29 NBA arenas, aiding in precise decision-making.
Why do referees in the NBA require bodyguards after games?
Referees in the NBA face increased anger and personal attacks from players, coaches, and fans, necessitating the need for bodyguards to ensure their safety.
What role do replay center referees play at the end of NBA games?
Replay center referees play a crucial role at the end of NBA games by reviewing footage to make precise decisions and ensure fair outcomes.
How does slow-motion and freeze-frame technology assist replay center referees?
Slow-motion and freeze-frame technology help replay center referees catch details that might be missed by the naked eye, aiding in accurate decision-making.
What is flopping in basketball and why do players do it?
Flopping in basketball refers to when players pretend to be fouled, aiming to deceive referees into making bad calls and gain an advantage.
Who tends to display more aggressive behavior towards referees in the NBA?
NBA stars, rather than all players, tend to display aggressive behavior towards referees, and their behavior is often tolerated more.
What reforms has the NBA implemented to improve refereeing objectivity?
The NBA has implemented reforms to improve refereeing objectivity, which has led to increased friction between stars and referees.
What is the role of Joe Borgia at the replay center?
Joe Borgia, a former referee, works at the replay center to impose justice on powerful individuals and maintain fairness in refereeing decisions.
Why do weak referees face the risk of being influenced or ignored in the NBA?
Weak referees in the NBA can be influenced or ignored, potentially leading to a rigged and unfair system, compromising the integrity of the game.
What is the objective of the podcast episode 'Ref, You Suck!'?
The podcast episode aims to highlight the similarities between the authority of referees in basketball and the erosion of authority in American life.
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