If You Really Want to Get Technical ...

Top 10 ways to get a technical foul call from NBA referee Steve Javie:

10. Throwing an elbow.

9. Thinking about throwing an elbow.

8. Using foul language directed at the referee.

7. Making eye contact with the referee.

6. Boisterous behavior from the bench.

5. Sitting quietly on the bench (Phil Jackson only).

4. Arguing a foul or non-call.

3. Muttering to yourself after a foul or non-call.

2. Tossing the ball to the ref and missing him.

1. Wearing the Laker uniform during a game.

Top 10 ways to restore integrity to NBA games:

10. Hold referees publicly accountable for bad officiating.

9. Heck, hold them privately accountable for bad officiating.

8. Allow players to decide games.

7. I know, I know -- ridiculous ... just kidding.

6. Instead of an opening toss, play H-O-R-S-E to see who gets the calls.

5. Fire Stu Jackson and Eddie F. Rush.

4. Disclose the point spread refs are looking to cover.

3. Add the words “except Shaquille O’Neal” to the rule book.

2. Make refs wear the jersey of the team they favor.

1. Give Steve Javie’s contract to the Soprano family.

Chi Daya

Glendale

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Shaquille O’Neal is 31 years old and has been playing organized basketball since he was 14, which means the form he exhibits at the free-throw line (i.e., shotputting the ball, staggering forward into the lane) is the culmination of 17 years of development.

Ten bucks says that Jack Nicholson could beat him in a free-throw contest.

David Macaray

Rowland Heights

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Exploit? Exploit? Here’s news to you, Rasheed Wallace, and all other millionaire NBAers. In the real world, we can get relocated. In the real world, we can get fired. In the real world, if we choke our boss we go to jail. In the real world, we don’t get guaranteed contracts.

In the real world, we work all year. In the real world, we don’t get per diem. In the real world, you look like a clown.

Is exploitation alive and well in the world? You bet. But it’s not in the NBA. If you’re so concerned about exploitation, try setting those Nikes aside, and then shutting your mouth and giving of your time and money to where the real suffering is.

Chris Walters

South Pasadena