The NBA has responded to a viral video that shows some hard fouls Jeremy Lin has received and the lack of proper response from officials some fans feel was in order.
Lin is four years removed from the “Linsanity” phenomenon that swept New York during the point guard’s surprising run of dominance with the Knicks. But he has found a home with the Charlotte Hornets this season and is averaging 11.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3 assists per game. However, he may not be receiving the proper respect from officials that he deserves.
A Lin fan put together this video and uploaded it to YouTube last week. It shows many hard fouls Lin has received this season and how similar they are to plays that were called flagrant fouls in other circumstances. The video has received over 800,000 views since it was uploaded.
The Charlotte Observer took note of the video and asked Lin about it. Lin said he had watched it after many friends shared it with him, but he downplayed the video.
“It is what it is. I just want to keep playing hard,” Lin said via The Observer. “It’s one of those things where I made a rule of myself halfway through the season that I’m not going to argue with refs. Whatever happens, happens. It helps me stay focused on basketball.”
Lin joked that the video may have impacted officiating in his most recent game. He was sent to the free throw line 10 times on Monday, which tied for his second-highest amount of the season (he made all 10). The NBA apparently took note of the video, too.
A fan relations employee sent a response to the fan who uploaded the video, saying the plays were reviewed:
“Contact that is deemed flagrant by referees and other hard contact (whether called or not) is reviewed by Basketball Operations after each game. During its review, Basketball Operations uses a set of criteria (which you can find here), multiple video angles and enhancements, and its comparable database to calibrate its judgment. When deemed appropriate, a postgame Flagrant Foul can be assessed (including for contact that was not called in the game), and applicable points, warnings, fines and/or suspensions are issued.
“While some of the plays in the video you referenced involved hard contact, none was subsequently deemed a Flagrant Foul given the full circumstances, angles and comparables from past games. Referees do make mistakes, which means they miss calls that should have been made. When that occurs, we collect the data and provide referees with feedback to ensure improvement.”
Maybe Lin wasn’t receiving the respect he deserves and this video will help him achieve that. And Lin’s response isn’t too surprising either; the man is used to disrespect coming in multiple forms.
