First Stan Van Gundy said he wasn’t allowed to have an opinion on Dwight Howard’s technical because David Stern is essentially a Middle Eastern dictator in terms of allowing a diversity of opinion.
Stern shot back that he wasn’t going to talk to Van Gundy but would speak to Orlando Magic management about Van Gundy’s “abhorrent behavior.”
The ball is in your court, Van Gundy, what say you (via the Associated Press):
“I’ve been told I can’t comment.”
Game, set, match to Mr. Stern.
Stern does not like people undermining the authority of the league office or the referees. Whether or not said criticisms are valid or not (and Van Gundy’s about the foul calls on Dwight Howard has some merit) is immaterial — you will respect my authoritah!
And David Stern does not lose these battles.