The San Antonio Spurs of the NBA was fined $250,000 on Nov. 30, 2012 by commissioner David Stern. The franchise was fined because they sent home and didn't play the team's three biggest stars: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobli.
Greg Popovich, the head coach of the Spurs, sent home the stars ahead of their game against the Miami Heat on Nov. 29, 2012. The team was scheduled to play their fourth game in five days. The trio have been the heart and soul of the Spurs for the past decade, and they needed a break. Duncan, Parker, and Ginobli are 36, 30, and 35 years of age respectively.
Should they have been fined? That's up for debate. Coaches have free reign of who they play, who they sit, and if they send them home on the first flight back to San Antonio. David Stern's argument has been that the fans in Miami missed out on watching the talented threesome play. However, others argue that they were there to see LeBron James. My bet's with the LeBron James argument.
David Stern has been a fantastic commissioner for the NBA during his 28 year tenure. Few question him and his decisions. He has gained the respect of many in the basketball industry. But now he fines the Spurs, a team with a highly respected coach, mostly likely bound for the Hall of Fame. A franchise also with three previously mentioned future Hall of Famers.
This move by Stern is already being questioned, mere hours after it occurred. Out of all the correct decisions Stern has made over the previous 28 years, I feel this is a rare mistake. The Spurs were playing their fourth game in five days, and this ins't a lockout shortened season like last year. That seems to be some poor scheduling on the NBA's part. Popovich is and was trying to take care of his core group of veterans, and in doing so, taking care of his team. The franchise has thrived with Popovich, Duncan, Parker, and Ginobli. They've won four titles with the group in the 2000s. So I think Popovich has it all figured out by now.
Even if the Heat fans were missing Duncan, Parker, and Goinobli, the Spurs weren't. The Spurs lost narrowly 105-100. In Miami. Missing three starters. Facing LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. LEBRON JAMES!