Zoneboy
09-17-2007, 03:25 PM
Link (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txcrawfordreinstated&prov=st&type=lgns)
NEW YORK (TICKER) -- The NBA on Monday reinstated referee Joey Crawford, who had been suspended indefinitely by the league this past spring.
Monday's announcement came exactly five months after Crawford was suspended for his "improper conduct and lack of professionalism" during a game between the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks on April 15.
In the contest, Crawford assessed two technical fouls on Spurs superstar center Tim Duncan during a 76-second span of the third quarter.
NBA commissioner David Stern lowered the boom on Crawford two days later, suspending the 31-year veteran for the remainder of the season - including the NBA Playoffs and Finals.
However, Stern said in a statement Monday that Crawford is ready to return to the game.
"Based on my meeting with Joey Crawford, his commitment to an ongoing counseling program and a favorable professional evaluation that was performed at my direction, I am satisfied that Joey understands the standards of game management and professionalism the NBA expects from him and that he will be able to conduct himself in accordance with those standards," Stern said.
During his stellar career, Crawford's 266 playoff and 38 Finals games are the most among active officials. He also is one five officials to have worked at least 2,000 regular-season games.
NEW YORK (TICKER) -- The NBA on Monday reinstated referee Joey Crawford, who had been suspended indefinitely by the league this past spring.
Monday's announcement came exactly five months after Crawford was suspended for his "improper conduct and lack of professionalism" during a game between the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks on April 15.
In the contest, Crawford assessed two technical fouls on Spurs superstar center Tim Duncan during a 76-second span of the third quarter.
NBA commissioner David Stern lowered the boom on Crawford two days later, suspending the 31-year veteran for the remainder of the season - including the NBA Playoffs and Finals.
However, Stern said in a statement Monday that Crawford is ready to return to the game.
"Based on my meeting with Joey Crawford, his commitment to an ongoing counseling program and a favorable professional evaluation that was performed at my direction, I am satisfied that Joey understands the standards of game management and professionalism the NBA expects from him and that he will be able to conduct himself in accordance with those standards," Stern said.
During his stellar career, Crawford's 266 playoff and 38 Finals games are the most among active officials. He also is one five officials to have worked at least 2,000 regular-season games.