Did I see this coming? Not at all. Do I think this is definitely the final word? Not at all. (Could I be wrong on that? Sure.)
IIUC, a ruling like this only sticks if it survives arbitration hearing (and any appeal) because it's a CBA-defined process. (Violating the CBA is a line the NBA would not want to cross, no matter what.) The relative harshness of Silver's ruling would seem to indicate it was not an agreed-upon settlement, which means that hearing process is still ahead. Such a hearing would NOT be open to the public.
OTOH there isn't really a scorched-earth option for Ballmer to somehow obliterate the NBA for this finding. His only venue is that arbitration, where the best he can hope for is to reduce or eliminate the penalties imposed. Should be interesting drama ahead.
I'm sure Ballmer will have something to say in response. It should shed a lot of light on where we go from here. EDITED TO ADD - In a statement, the Clippers said “we vehemently reject the NBA’s findings,” adding that, “We intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available to us and look forward to an ethical and impartial arbitration process.”
I think this is a million miles from final.
IIUC, a ruling like this only sticks if it survives arbitration hearing (and any appeal) because it's a CBA-defined process. (Violating the CBA is a line the NBA would not want to cross, no matter what.) The relative harshness of Silver's ruling would seem to indicate it was not an agreed-upon settlement, which means that hearing process is still ahead. Such a hearing would NOT be open to the public.
OTOH there isn't really a scorched-earth option for Ballmer to somehow obliterate the NBA for this finding. His only venue is that arbitration, where the best he can hope for is to reduce or eliminate the penalties imposed. Should be interesting drama ahead.
I'm sure Ballmer will have something to say in response. It should shed a lot of light on where we go from here. EDITED TO ADD - In a statement, the Clippers said “we vehemently reject the NBA’s findings,” adding that, “We intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available to us and look forward to an ethical and impartial arbitration process.”
I think this is a million miles from final.
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