Commish: Refs Violated Casino Ban, But Won't Be Punished

Despite violating the NBA's stringent gambling rules, over half of the league's referees will not be punished, announced commissioner David Stern. The current rules forbid all gambling, an overly strict policy that has been improperly enforced, according to Stern; among other changes, he is likely to allow non-sports-related wagers in casinos.

"I determined going into a casino isn't a capital offense," explained Stern, according to the Associated Press, clarifying, "It's too easy to issue rules that are on their faith violated by $5 Nassau, sitting at a poker table, buying a lottery ticket, and then we can move along." (More NBA stories.)