What? The NBA Can Discipline Officials? Really?

Man, when you offend Tim Duncan, you offend the whole NBA.

NBA referee Joey Crawford has been indefinitely suspended for improper conduct toward Tim Duncan during the San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks game on April 15, it was announced today by NBA Commissioner David Stern. The conduct included Crawford's assessment of a second technical foul and ejection of Duncan following laughter by the player while he was seated on the bench, and inappropriate comments made to Duncan during the game. Crawford's suspension will cover at least the remainder of the 2006-07 season, including the NBA Playoffs and Finals.

Commissioner David Stern said that the suspension was not just for the Duncan incident but also "in light of similar prior acts by this official." The whole matter was rather ridiculous, but we weren't aware that the NBA held referees accountable ... that's kind of the fun of it, isn't it?

Oh, and DON'T EMAIL MARK CUBAN ABOUT THIS.

NBA Referee Joey Crawford Suspended [NBA.com] Tim Duncan, Joe Crawford And The NBA [Blog Maverick]