The always engaging Mark Heisler tackles the NBA's crackdown on complaining in this week's L.A. Times NBA column and dropped this juicy little item:
If commentators like Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy slash away boldly, Stern's name never comes up, even on edgy, freewheeling shows like ESPN's "SportsCenter."
Of course, ESPN is a broadcast partner — and I've heard the NBA deal includes language barring any criticism of Stern.
If it doesn't, then it's a curious, universal omission.
(It's also true for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, whose name never comes up in the gnashing of teeth over his more frequent and controversial moves.)
Needless to say, I think Tim Finchem should demand similar language in the next golf television contract since he appears to be following the Castro succession model.