Is the NBA Rigged? NBA Insiders Speak part 2

[@TheRiggedBA]

And this is how your mentality goes. *players admit the NBA is rigged* - Well, they're just mad because they lost. *refs make obviously bogus calls in favor of one team* - Well, referees are only human and that was just a string of coincidental mistakes. *referees themselves admit NBA is rigged and that these calls aren't just mistakes* - Well, I'm just going to call it a "conspiracy theory" and use that buzz phrase to ignore the facts.

[@TheRiggedBA]

If you're attempting to argue that NBA cash cow Michael "King of the Phantom Foul" Jordan didn't have games rigged for him, then it's you who needs to learn the difference between a legit and rigged game. When you played against Jordan during the championship years, you were playing David Stern almost directly.

[@rodprops]

PREACH!!

[@TheRiggedBA]

If there's one thing I've learned from talking about the NBA being rigged, it's that for some people the denial is on a deep psychological level. It has little to do with facts or evidence. And that's why the NBA keeps doing it. David Stern only rigs games like this because history has shown him that many fans will be in denial about it and he can sucker enough of them to turn a good profit. That's why I don't even really get mad at Stern. I get more mad at the idiot fans who enable him.

[@thurst6510]

NFL - same thing!

[@andrewgambrel7174]

when I was 14 I watched the 90s bulls, the 2nd threepeaters, and I was a very naïve teen but I noticed how so many games, not just the bulls but most of the series after round 1 kept going to game 6 and 7. Even then my naive ass could tell something was fishy with the refs. I still see it when I watch the playoffs to this day.

[@nonamewillbegiven6847]

Cuckoo cuckoo

[@TheRiggedBA]

For the most part, yes. The refs defeated the '91 Pistons and the '93 Knicks, and when Jordan came back from retirement, the league essentially lived off of Jordan marketingwise and would never allow a team to beat his. Coupled with league advertizing to bill Jordan as more god than human. The Jordan era was the genesis of NBA rigging.

[@richardprado5914]

The world is a big stage, no doubts, but many people are still sleeping...

[@TheRiggedBA]

It believe it was rigged officiating against Orlando. However, it was one of the few times a team was able to overcome the fix. They wanted LeBron in the Finals that year, but Orlando's style of play was very difficult to call against because they spaced the floor so much. They were letting the Cavs foul at will, but since Orlando played so far from the basket they were still able to score. I remember it being so bad that Charles Barkley said there needs to be a discussion about the officiating.

[@TheRiggedBA]

It's very telling that, of the few people that come to this page to try to argue that the league is NOT rigged, nearly if not all of them are Laker fans. To me it goes to show how much the Lakers benefit from rigged games that their fanbase in particular has such a vested interest in denying the undeniable.

[@themblan]

Even if the NBA was not rigged, the refs have too much power and break the flow of the game, making it unenjoyable to watch. I'd rather watch a pickup game of high school players that can't dunk than watch the NBA. I know this would never happen, but what I would want is for sports to be self-officiated, on the honor-system, like in real-life. For example, if someone fouls someone, he or she knows, and will admit it unreluctantly and say, "I'm sorry."

[@jadenbryan493]

Ok that would just be stupid

[@GiannisAttemptToKillYou]

Jaden Your Stupid.

[@manuls23]

Jaden Bryan your stupid, do you have a better answer? then tell us

[@samimomin6616]

airsoft is kinda like that. you have to have honor to call your hit

[@mikerotcherson]

+themblan +Sami Momin +manuls23 Sure "honor system" works for inconsequential pickup games at the park and a weekend at the airsoft course. But remember why anyone would bother to rig the game in the first place...we're talking about worldwide recognition, immortality in the history books, and literally billions of dollars.

[@TheRiggedBA]

I also said "rigging isn't as simple as just having the biggest media market win as alot of people think".

[@imDBryant]

Well if it is rigged, I hope Kobe gets that 6th ring lol

[@TheRiggedBA]

Me too. I want him to get 7 actually. Just because I want him to have more than Jordan.

[@heimerdonger1266]

TheRiggedBA He won't though. You can't rig the Lakers enough to get them to the playoffs this year LOL

[@TheRiggedBA]

Heimer Donger Yeah, the Lakers are beyond help now. And Kobe's body seems to have gone into retirement already, so he's not winning one next year either. Well, since Kobe can't get another one I hope they make sure LeBron gets a couple more. Not a LeBron fan myself, but I get a guilty pleasure out of watching the way his haters suffer when he wins.

[@DrProfessorWeed]

TheRiggedBA To be honest he's been treated like Jordan, just hasn't had the same coach and teammates. He easily should have 6-7 rings right now I think.

[@nvalle23]

@@DrProfessorWeed if you're speaking "should haves" the Bulls woulda had 8 if Mike didn't step away to play ⚾

[@manulboi]

Something to add which I learned from the author of "The Fix is In" is fact that in the fine print of the NBA and any sports league for that matter it states they are not legally obligated to provide fair and honest games because it falls under entertainment. Their only legal obligation when they sell tickets is that they put on the game.

[@traebands]

Brian Touhy

[@dmuslim2829]

Dude i love the stuff you have done here. plz make more videos mannnn. The rigging is just ridiculous at this point and fighting patrons like urself should continue to bring forth the evidence . Peace

[@TheRiggedBA]

Not sure if I've heard that one, but I remember Steve Francis saying that the players were going to stop playing hard if the referees keep making fake calls. Which I think is exactly what happened. People wonder why today's NBA isn't as fierce and competitive as the 80s and 90s. I think it's mostly because so many players today are conscious of the fact that it's rigged so they don't go as hard. No point in killing yourself giving all you have when the outcomes are decided in a board meeting.

[@honoroller81]

The heat shot a record low free throws for their franchise last year, plus there were 30 more personal fouls on the heat than on the spurs in the finals. If anything, it is rigged AGAINST the heat. The one large time there was a major lack of officiating was when Jordan played Utah in game 6 of the nba finals, Scottie pulled the rim when a shot went up and it caused it to miss, this was defensive interference. This was crucial, it was in the final minute

[@TheRiggedBA]

Karl Malone said referee Dick Bavetta personally apologized to him for the officiating in the Bulls/Jazz Finals. Not that they were making these bad calls and no-calls for Chicago by accident, but I can believe that Bavetta felt bad about having to rig against Karl and Stockton.

[@gtownlt23]

did you ever consider that was the best way to keep the "close games" in order to prevent the blowouts that happened in Games 2, 3 & 4? When you WANT to push your venues to 6 or 7 games in a Championship series....you gotta create the drama, suspense, and close finishes and give the appearance of "evenly matched teams". Which was not the case in order to push the Spurs to the line , and Miami a very little amount.

[@Thespeckles12347]

I hate this argument. The spurs were dead last at fouling in that regular season . The heat fouled more, there is such a thing as fouling, and real fouls shouldn't be tolerated, it was in no way rigged against the heat.

[@TheWatsonGreen]

TheRiggedBA Karl Malone is a terrible person; even worse than David Stern. No one should feel bad about injustice they have committed against Karl Malone.

[@TheWatsonGreen]

It was makeup for how badly tilted the officiating was in the Heats favor in 2005 against the Mavericks.

[@TheRiggedBA]

There was a Mark Cuban interview where he made some cryptic comments about how if fans knew what went in on the NBA behind the scenes that they be shocked and Cuban said that he's now learned how to play the game. I think this was in 2011, actually. That Mavs championship was signed and sealed for Cuban long before the series started.

[@TheRiggedBA]

When Jordan was playing, actual contact wasn't required. /watch?v=mmlfiMDUTQ4#t=3m58

[@sugarnads]

Hell i noticed that even in the highlight reels on the news down here in Aus back as it was happening.

[@TheRiggedBA]

And David Stern took care of Bill Laimbeer and Detroit. After Detroit defeated Jordan's Bulls 3 years in a row, Stern decided to jump in to beat Detroit for MJ himself. He changed the league's rules to outlaw Detroit's defense and set up a flagrantly rigged Pistons/Bull series where the Bulls averaged over 16 more free throws per game than the Pistons despite taking less shots. But you think Stern had nothing to do with Jordan winning? Stern's fingerprints are all over MJ's rings.

[@itchiegames]

It's weird. I only see "Ratings have been disabled for this video." when people are scared of criticism. But if you thought you were putting something worthwhile out there, why be scared?

[@TheRiggedBA]

***** I disabled ratings for technical reasons. The ratings were available for all to see for a long time before I disabled them and they were highly positive. It has nothing to do with fear of criticism.

[@itchiegames]

"Technical reasons"? LOL That's great, it really is. If the NBA gave that reason for anything you'd have another "rigged NBA" video up in minutes. Seriously though, if even you don't think your video is good why'd you upload it in the first place?

[@itchiegames]

Listen Emu, you can defend your hero if you want, but videos with ratings disabled do so to hide bad ratings. They didn't get messed up, he disabled them to hide bad ratings.

[@TheRiggedBA]

***** Most people don't worry about ratings. Those who sniff around going out of their way to make comments about them usually do so because they're trolls. Which is one of the benefits of disabling ratings since it saves time letting you spot a troll early without having to go back and forth a bunch of times with them. Like I don't have to do with you now.

[@itchiegames]

Most people don't disable ratings. Those who have to hide the criticism of their videos do so for a reason. Those who lie about that reason are usually just trolls.

[@TheRiggedBA]

I've often said this same thing about the Spurs. But they are the Teflon Dons of the NBA. No matter how apparent it is that they are being helped by the league, since they earn low TV ratings(in the United States) they always have this reputation of being a team the NBA would never favor. They don't usually rig it for the Spurs to win it all but no matter how old the Spurs get the referees always give them enough help to make them seem elite, even though they aged out of eliteness years ago.

[@DISEASE10]

Now we all know it's gonna be warriors and cavs at this point warriors are obviously the better team...so my guess is cavs win no the warriors oh wait it's all FUCKEN RIGGED!!!

[@TheRiggedBA]

H3iPWR Heheheh

[@TilerP]

And guess who's in the finals this year, THATS RIGHT U GUESSED IT

[@FrenchPaul1988]

We're probably going to have a 4th Cavs/Warriors finals in a row in 2018 - Houston is much stronger (IMO, they were the best in the West last season) and the Celtics and the Wizards are strong contenders in the East (IMO, the Celtics deserved to play the finals), but since LeBron and the Warriors sell, there's no doubt about it. Just look at the NBA newsletter - everyday you have lots of praise and stories about the Cavs and the Warriors, but barely a thing on other teams (except for the new uniforms - so that you can buy them after seeing them ? - or some stuff about the rookies and ridiculous debates like "can the Sixers or the Lakers make it to playoffs ?"). And speaking of Boston, they finished 1st of the Eastern conference and beat the Cavs during the regular season, but the Cavs mopped the floor with them in the playoffs. Which I attributed to the fact the Cavs had rough time during the spring with injuries and all, but I suppose the playoffs officiating is made so that the most predictable confrontation happens in finales.

[@tamoorcheema759]

French Paul 1988 the cavaliers are a terrible team. One of the worst defensive and bench rosters/teams to ever make it really. And being old and against the cap they are screwed but thanks to the powers that be they have been recognised in three finals now. Only time will tell if they will make another one in 2018. I predict 2017 was there last year in the finals until they ride off into the sunset for the next 50 years when Lebron will probably leave. If they do make it in 2018 I can guarantee it will be there last. The same teams like Celtics and lakers will win every 5-10 years and other teams like bucks,raptors and magic will seem to continue to rebuild for years and decades right when you think they can be good. Those teams have 1 or a small window of opportunity in their histories to win which sucks but unfortunately it is the truth

[@FrenchPaul1988]

Tamoor Cheema: agreed, the Cavs are really not that great - just looking at their results in February/March when LeBron and/or others of their keys players were out tells it all. Hell, without LeBron they lost to the Bulls and this team barely made it to the Playoffs and (much like Cleveland) got there thanks to a major player being back in full form. Some smaller teams are pretty impressive right now (like the Bucks and the Raptors that you mentionned -Orlando had some great results in the 1990s, but seem very far from their best nowadays), but I doubt they'll get anything - Celtics are in an advance rebuild, Lakers and Bulls are rebuilding pretty much from scratch (someone from the Bulls mentionned in recent interviews the team intended to have a terrible season to get a good pick at the 2018 draft) and I suppose once the usual leaders can take over again, the Cavs and the Warriors will quickly fall back under the radar.

[@TheRiggedBA]

Yeah. Bruce is probably the only Jordan fan I've ever heard admit that Jordan had games rigged for him. I respect him for that. That was a good series he did about rigging in general. Usually people only will call out the rigging on players they dislike instead of being honest.

[@el0kadur]

It's rigged, you can see it in the playoffs, they may push it a little bit during the regular season, however, you can see too many coincidences put top players like Lebron on the big spotlights like pulling the stardom by the hair....

[@TheRiggedBA]

Jeff Van Gundy is referring to the 2005 Mavericks/Rockets series. The Rockets won the first two games, then the officiating changed and the Mavericks won the series. Shaq is talking about the 2002 Lakers/Kings series where he got a lot of calls against Chris Webber and Sacramento. This was one of the specific series that referee Tim Donaghy mentioned as being rigged, hence Chris Webber saying "Tom Donaghy's on the phone for you.".

[@IronMan_thno]

Nba is rigged. They go for bigger states tho. Knicks have pretty loyal fans, so they'll sell anytime. Just notice Cali, tx, and Florida have won all but 2 titles in the 2000's

[@Manik2Magik]

Rob Banks Phil Jackson, Greg Popovic & Pat Riley

[@adamgottlieb5818]

Manik2Magik And Carlisle

[@FrenchPaul1988]

Would make sense that CA, TX and FL get the most titles - CA has 4 teams, TX 3 and FL 2 (just like NY BTW). The other states barely have one team a state. Plus, you only have three states represented among the top 5 of a conference (the Jazz being the only top 5 team not to be from CA or TX in the 2017 Western Conference).

[@nonamewillbegiven6847]

Yawn freaks

[@sheistyindividual]

What's the music that plays in the background of part 1? Also, it's good that some of the pieces of shit are gone like Salvatore and now Joey Crawford, but the younger officials seem to just make bad calls period.

[@pgpeachess]

absolutely rigged. if they legalize betting, $100 billion in illegal betting will be gone. for the non believers (most of them, people that like to bet on games) check out Michael Franzese videos on you tube.

[@TheRiggedBA]

Michael Franzese. I thought he just dealt with college, but reading your comment I decided to check out some KZbin videos and I see he speaks on how the Mafia manipulates NBA games too. Very interesting. Thanks.

[@pgpeachess]

you are welcome! use it well: do not bet on sports!

[@lazyfender68]

hey one of the few that realize it's not just about the ratings. Hello Vegas = (numbers runners controlled by NV racqueteers)! Easier to control a few refs than a whole team.

[@FrenchPaul1988]

I guess even for countries where betting is legal (like France), having rigged games can be good - Golden State had ridiculously low odds throughout the season, so you'd either put a lot of money on them or bet on the other team. Either way, the companies (and the state) get a ton of money while the gamblers barely get much more than they put out.

[@TheRiggedBA]

Dishing out fouls in and of itself has a major influence on the outcome of a game. Two early fouls can put a superstar on the bench for most of the first half. Bogus fouls can also put teams in penalty, which allows a referee to give free throws/points to a team as needed.

[@TheBadGuy15]

Lakers vs celtics, i believe '07 '08 season in the finals was totally rigged, the whole series was fouls against the lakers except for one game (the one lakers won) next year lakers played the celtics and whooped them, i guess the nba didnt want lakers to pass the celtics in championships. I think they knew that lakers were going to have a back to back but if they had a 3 peat kobe would pass jordan and lakers would have more rings than the celtics

[@Stej-i7m]

+Captain Sosa The ElGay lakers wouldn't even be in the finals without refs any of this years, hahaha laker fans claiming the refs are against them are hilarious

[@nonamewillbegiven6847]

The Lakers and Celtics didnt play the next yr(09). Overall you come off as a salty Lakers fan who couldnt handle a L

[@jfics1997]

trust me i am aware of the ratings part as well, things such as james getting first ring etc...however, more often than not its gambling purposes...much faster money. fans will still fill arenas, if wagers are lopsided on one team they will let their "storyline" fade for a night to scoop that quick dollar..but i do agree with everything you say for the record, just adding to it bc i always see people referencing certain key games or series as if thats it

[@sadmyspaceuser]

You can't rig a game like basketball

[@jackjackson8911]

the hell you can!!

[@lazyfender68]

Wanna play a game of ball? $100 you win.

[@ribbybibston]

Watch Lakers and Kings in the western finals and come back to tell us how you feel about that statement.

[@PerfectlyTouch]

I often think the same thing because you can't rig those shots, but fact is a couple of shots won't matter to much if the refs are making bad calls (on purpose) left and right.

[@vikdylan7868]

You're a shining example of precisely why communism is coming to America. And why it will flourish. Congratulations, jackass.

[@TheRiggedBA]

It's the Jeff Van Gundy quote. For some reason the video glitched and flashes the text at the beginning.

[@TheRiggedBA]

Not sure why a Kobe or LeBron fan(I'm neither) would have reason to be bitter about Jordan. I'm a McGrady fan and McGrady has gotten the better of Jordan in their match-ups so I have no reason to be bitter either. But first and foremost I'm a basketball fan. So I disliked what Stern did to the league by cheating for Jordan and how it eventually led to the unwatchable circus that the NBA is now.

[@V3rnSqwd5611]

2002 western conference finals is the only evidence you need

[@TheRiggedBA]

One of the funniest moments in RiggedBA history was Game 7 of the Portland/Lakers series in 2000 or so. Steve Smith got absolutely clobbered in midair by Shaq on a crucial lay-up attempt and there was no call. Then Bill Walton, as though this no call was just an innocent mistake, said Steve Smith should drive to the paint because there's no way the refs would "miss" that call again. On the one hand rigging is infuriating, but on the other it can be so ridiculous that it makes you laugh.

[@Senior215]

That's why I stick to the real man's sports like pro wrestling haha. Not hating on the NBA, just a WWE fan trying to lighten the mood.

[@ThomasSpychalski]

Why is there a whole URL/Vid just for comments??

[@jaredhamilton5753]

How about you read the description?

[@TheRiggedBA]

For the record, Jeff Van Gandy was speaking about a call made firsthand to him from an official, Tim Donaghy was speaking about his colleagues that he saw rig and discuss rigging games firsthand right in front of him, and Shaquille O'Neal was speaking about getting foul calls in his favor for fouls he knows firsthand were never committed on him in a game he won and therefore had no reason to complain about.

[@WatchSicarioWin]

well, first let me say i am unbiased. But does Stern "loving Lebron" means he wants him to win? What if Stern's agenda is more to strengthen the product, which could mean a win or a loss for Lebron in his first two finals. Look at the controversy and endless discussion's that Lebron losing has caused, the popularity and polarity. It's really strengthened the league, made it a must watch.

[@tsaprodigy2166]

What was the little quick message in yellow that popped up at around 0:10-0:12?s

[@nic-d3298]

Bro my Mom's called it back in 92, and she was just going off the financial fact that 7 games generates way more money than 4... Like damn near double the revenue Bruh!

[@nonamewillbegiven6847]

Shutup crazy

[@roark4lakers]

whats the name of the song in the video?

[@juicebeontheloose1]

What u need to know about that 3 peat is game 7 of west finals rigged, 2001 nba finals rigged (every game), 2002 west finals rigged, 2004 west conf finals rigged (but only a few games), 2008 lakers nuggets rigged,2009 rockets lakers rigged (even needed rigging with yao out for most of the series lol), 2009 west conf finals rigged, 2010 west finals n finals etc Theres a lot, they even rig against teams to get preferable playoff seeding for the lakers etc

[@JimboDean3]

Where are you getting those quotes from?

[@TheRiggedBA]

The sources are in the video description.

[@danramirez789]

why do u think stern retired?

[@TheRiggedBA]

Dan Ramirez Well, he worked the job for 30 years. Just time to leave I'd guess

[@staticager526]

TheRiggedBA Yeah that's usually how long someone will work, especially in a job like his. But he was getting called out ALOT on everything his last few years. Definitely looks like there's less flopping than there was during the last several seasons, but it's still pretty bad.

[@bigty390]

TheRiggedBA I think the 2002 and 2012 seasons were rigged or overpower refs. But come on that celtics vs Lakers series wasn't rigged the celtics just got old.

[@bigty390]

Plus I'm a celtics fan.

[@TheRiggedBA]

Tyron Wells Which series are you talking about? If you're talking about 2010, that was pretty obvious.

[@TheRiggedBA]

That series, as I remember it, was more or less called normal. Back then, I don't think Stern rigged every series like now. Personally I never had any theories on that Finals before, but a couple of people on this page have suggested that it was because of Kobe's rape trial, which has some merit. And in hindsight I might also add that the Lakers had just 3peated and Stern might not have wanted Kobe, Shaq or anyone to upstage Michael Jordan's image by 4peating.

[@heydood1000]

in video A what do the words say that flash really quickly at 00:11

[@TheRiggedBA]

Well, it's a good thing that visible observation of the refereeing and acknowledgement from people inside the relevant field who've experienced something firsthand IS empirical evidence, then.

[@topstop24]

alright the arguement you put out there seems pretty legit. Honestly I can't argue with any of it but could you possibly post the places you used to find these quotes and how you came about these certain events?

[@TheRiggedBA]

They basically changed the criterion for MVP to give it to Nash. The argument was that he was the player most valuable to his own team, whereas before MVP was about which player was having the best season in the NBA. So Nash's MVPs were bull if you ask me, but I don't know what the scheme was behind giving them to him. That it was to promote the NBA internationally is as good a theory as any.

[@TheRiggedBA]

Once again, the investigation was not into whether the NBA rigs games. They already know the NBA rigs games. The investigation was into whether or not Donaghy used his position as a referee to win his own personal bets. The trial was over GAMBLING, not rigging. Donaghy being aware of the rigging is just what inspired him to gamble.

[@heydood1000]

on the other vid, wat do the yellow words at about 0:12 say

[@ChefNikuman]

I don't doubt your views at all but as a Detroiter I must ask, what would David Stern's reason be for the Piston's title win in 2004?

[@Damdahlf]

In the first video around 12 seconds yellow words pop up for a second and then dissappear. I happened to pause just when they popped up and this what they said "I did't think that really worked in the NBA but in this case it has."

[@Sahluful]

The thing is that Stern started off as a fine commissioner. As far as business is concerned, he capitalized on the Erving/Magic/Bird/Jordan eras, and he expanded the league to heights it never even sniffed by then. International players, the Dream Team, the Olympics, the CBS deal that ended tape-recorded Finals series - that's the stuff I appreciate Stern doing. At the same time, he's worn out his welcome, for sure, and most of the credit goes to the players and coaches (even now).

[@TheRiggedBA]

A couple? Bad calls are made in almost whatever number is necessary to achieve the desired result. The winner is decided before the series starts. Who's the best team means surprisingly little.

[@TheRiggedBA]

Whether the record ended up demanding that Bavetta rig the game for the Nuggets to win or not is irrelevant. What's relevant is that he was prepared to to do it, was casual about it, and admitted that his expertise in rigging games was specifically why he was assigned to it. But since you bring it up...

[@EricEstepp]

Superstars get all the calls, so as long as you have a kobe, or lebron on your team you're gonna get a crapload of calls. Stupid as that!

[@TheRiggedBA]

Very true. Most fans don't realize that the FBI already knows the NBA is rigged, which is why they don't understand the Donaghy case. The FBI didn't investigate Donaghy to find out if the league was rigged, they investigated to find out if Donaghy was rigging games for his own personal interest to win his own bets. That the NBA is rigged was something that was accepted at the trial and not prosecuted because that's every day knowledge. They know the NBA is rigged, that wasn't the crime.

[@trident519]

It is one thing to get a wrong call in a situation that can go either way. It is another when the foul is obvious and the call is wrong. That sums it up.

[@TheRiggedBA]

Well, Mark Cuban has said he understands how the NBA really works now and has learned to play the game. 2011's championship came right after he said that. So, the Mavs should be as safe as it's possible to be. But like any other team, when/if they play a team the league has chosen to win, they will get screwed. Nothing that can be done about that really.

[@cyber6sapien]

The reason this is possible is because basketball isn't like tennis. In tennis, the further along you advance in a tournament the more prize money you earn. Therefore, how much you are paid is directly tied to your sucess. In the NBA, contracts are agreed upon and signed before a player does anything on the court. The contract spans between 1 to 5 years, during which anything can happen. Only a handful of NBA players feel like their legacies will be defined by rings. Most just want to get paid.

[@shimmyshimmyyahhh]

Correction, its "Tuohy" not Touhy. Just for the record, David Stern has stated it would indeed be a felony if a league fixed its games, and no one of importance has called him out on this statement, therefore I believe Tuohy is full of it.

[@JMS1089]

During the 2009 season, Nike released a series of commercials that promoted the potential rivalry between Kobe and Lebron. As the Lakers and the Cavs. were both top seeded teams in their respected conferences, it was speculated that the two teams would meet in the Finals. However, the dream Finals match up never took place because the Cavs. lost to the Magic in a very competitive series. Do you think it was poor officiating, fixed gaming, or fair competition that saw Orlando win the ECF?

[@shimmyshimmyyahhh]

Those 14 starts were games that either Nene or Camby sat out. Elson was part of the playoff rotation, not saying HE wasn't, unlike those other players that played 45%(108 mins out of 240 total) of Game #82 and 5%(47 of 960) of the first 4 playoff games. Elson also picked up 4 fouls in 11 mins @ vs San Antonio at home. Granted, it was his first NBA game, but there was no lopsided foul count. Starters don't sit that early in the 1st quarter, if the game matters to a team, especially not at once.

[@TheRiggedBA]

The influence officials have over an NBA game shouldn't be underestimated. They can dictate the tempo and direction a game goes as well as take star players out of the game. If it was an NBA team vs a high school team, yeah, you couldn't rig that because the talent gap would be too great. But in the NBA where everyone is a pro and there are no scrubs, most times the referees can determine the outcome.

[@shimmyshimmyyahhh]

Some things Donaghy told the feds about: 1. memos containing points of emphasis for playoff games. 2. perceived biases by fellow officials that led Tim to be able to correctly pick NBA games up to 80% of the time(he also used inside injury information from team's trainers/massage therapists) 3. The Iverson incident(shady, but AI did allegedly threaten a ref) 4. Gary Payton's 2000 ejection(refs are told to avoid confrontation with all players, the ref was disciplined for not walking away)

[@JMS1089]

That's interesting, thanks for your input. I'll have to watch the series over again and see what I think. I'd imagine fixed gaming occurs in two different levels- One in which an individual official benefits from a sports bet, such as Tim Donaghy. Or two, in which David Stern protects it's most marketable franchise to increase the popularity of the sport. I don't think there will be any definitive evidence for the latter any time soon, but it def. puts things in an interesting perspective...

[@alanf5615]

what are your thoughts on this years finals. im still oretty certain okc got screwed and the cavs def got screwed in game 1

[@logankeller269]

TBH there were not many fouls at all called during the course of the final OKC games. They let the players play for the most part

[@logankeller269]

+youreconfused Yes, but there's no real disadvantage to one team if they're both not being called. During the finals they let teams play more physical. they always have. More excitement. it's all for entertainment. Everything these days. How much drama can a TV series put into a cooking show? you'd be surprised. everything is for entertaining

[@TilerP]

+Logan Keller but let's say "if" they wanted GS to win, and they are up in the game, there's no need to cheat... U get what I'm saying?

[@logankeller269]

+TilerP More than correct sir. Although GS barely survived OKC :) OKC played great

[@TheRiggedBA]

"So why don't former players that have no connection to the NBA ever come out and say it is "rigged"?" They do. Charles Oakley said the NBA is actually even more rigged than what Tim Donaghy said it was. But if a player is no longer connected to the NBA or aspiring for an NBA job(which eliminates most players who've ever played), then how would you hear about it? It's not going to be aired in NBA media. I'm sure numerous players have spoken about it in private conversations no one hears.

[@TheRiggedBA]

McGrady wasn't commenting on any series he was involved in, so it's irrelevant whether he lost some other series unrelated to the one he was talking about or not.

[@datCharles]

what's the name of the song anyway

[@shimmyshimmyyahhh]

Camby sat out. Elson and Nene, who normally don't start together, did so. Elson fouled out in 17 minutes, but he averaged 2 fouls in 14 minutes as a reserve, starting vs better players put him in line for more fouls. Melo played 26 minutes that night with only one foul. Rare to see five guys substituted at once, the Nuggets did so w/ 5:47 left in the 1st qtr. 45% of the total minutes in the season finale were played by guys who saw just 5% of the minutes played over the Nuggets' next 4 games.

[@TheRiggedBA]

That's going to be in the next video, which should be uploaded some time this weekend.

[@thetunkmaster]

Can you find 05/06, 06/07, 07/08 Cavs / Wizards playoff games to show people that the Wizards had LBJ rules"

[@heydood1000]

WHAT DO THE YELLOW WORDS SAY THAT FLASH AT AROUND 11 SECONDS INTO THE 1ST VIDEO!?

[@TheRiggedBA]

That the NBA is rigged is admitted to by people in the NBA themselves. Recognizing acknowledged facts doesn't make you insane. The denial of reality makes you insane. But you're half-right about one thing. It does discredit the hard work and dedication players have put in. That's exactly why players get so furious when they see a game they worked so hard to win is being rigged.

[@TheRiggedBA]

That's what the Shaq/Chris Webber exchange was about. They were talking about the 2002 Kings/Lakers series.

[@shimmyshimmyyahhh]

If there is an intentional foul situation, the coach of the team taking the foul will normally tell the official of their intention to foul. Also, if the team committing the foul is not called for it, you end up with situations like Horry/Nash in Game 4 of the 2007 WCSF. If SA couldn't inbound the ball to anyone else, too bad, good for Miami's defense. Kawhi looked confident enough, he was probably trying to kill as much time as possible by attempting to avoid the foul.

[@TheRiggedBA]

"As it turned out, Denver didn't need the win after all; they locked up a spot in the playoffs before they got to San Antonio. In a twist of fate, it was the Spurs that ended up needing the win to have a shot at the division title, and Bavetta generously accommodated. In our pregame meeting, he talked about how important the game was to San Antonio and how meaningless it was to Denver, and that San Antonio was going to get the benefit of the calls that night."

[@johnduncan7484]

what goes around comes around (2:39)

[@KColleyTV]

A reincarnation of the Bad Boy Pistons of the past. Ben Wallace, Billups and Rip Hamilton were all fan favorites and it sold tickets, plus ratings were through the roof when they played. Result: Pistons make NBA Finals two years in a row, and in '05 had a classic NBA Finals series with the Spurs.

[@TheRiggedBA]

"Armed with this inside information, I called Jack Concannon before the game and told him to bet the Spurs. To no surprise, we won big. San Antonio blew Denver out of the building that evening, winning by 26 points. When Jack called me the following morning, he expressed amazement at the way an NBA game could be manipulated. Sobering, yes; amazing, no. That's how the game is played in the National Basketball Association."

[@TheRiggedBA]

Stern gets booed at NBA award ceremonies too. I'm glad so many people are finally catching on to him.

[@TheRiggedBA]

David Stern has set up a system so him leaving likely won't change much of anything. The only thing that will stop the NBA from rigging it's games is if enough fans start calling them out on it. So long as fans are dumb enough to believe it, they'll keep doing it.

[@TheRiggedBA]

The Lakers/Blazers one never gets mentioned, but yeah, that was rigged too.

[@shimmyshimmyyahhh]

If a player draws a shooting foul the field goal attempt is not recorded unless the shot goes in. Did you know that the "Bad Boys" dynasty actually did BETTER in years where they were called for more fouls, and outshot at the line? It made sense for Stern to increase penalties for flagrant fouls, that wasn't central to Daly's strategy. The triangle defeated Detroit's defense, which was designed to defend iso plays, not to stop a read-and-react offense designed for use against zone-type defenses

[@TheRiggedBA]

Given Stern will be replaced by his own apprentice, I suspect the same rules will apply. But it should be interesting since I think stuff will start coming out, or at least start getting talked about more, by people outside the NBA when Stern leaves because rigging games is pretty much Stern's legacy. So it almost can't be avoided when they do segments on him.

[@bjjensen86]

Jordan also didn't need to exaggerate contact, because there was actual contact back then. Handchecking existed, now its a fine.

[@TheRiggedBA]

No. I find RiggedBA games unwatchable at this point. I just peep the highlights. But I do follow it some for financial reasons. When you know it's rigged, it can pay off.

[@TheRiggedBA]

Hmmm. Interesting suggestion. I expected for Stern to hit the switch for the Lakers after the All-Star break for other reasons, but you might be on to something with the Buss angle. I said from the beginning that I didn't think Stern wanted Kobe to win a 6th ring, but even I've been surprised at the Lakers threatening to not even make the playoffs.

[@TheRiggedBA]

I didn't say the calls were bad because Rasheed was angry, I said Rasheed was angry because the calls were bad. The referees hit the switch in the 4th quarter.

[@TheRiggedBA]

That's an obviously spurious argument and is addressed in the video. NBA employees have a vested self-interest in denying that the NBA is rigged, ergo statements from them denying are to be expected and have no value. Only the ones acknowledging it's rigged have value as that requires a blatancy in the rigging so great as to make someone admit it even directly against one's own self-interest. And you're right, if you actually watched those game WOULD know why they lost. Hence these quotes.

[@jfics1997]

your right..the winner is not decided before the series starts...but it is decided right after all bets are placed

[@djaznballa2324]

Did Jeff Van Gundy make those comments when he was coaching or broadcasting?

[@TheRiggedBA]

Coaching.

[@TheRiggedBA]

A lot of people assumed beforehand that Spurs/Heat would be rigged to go 7 games, so since it went 7 games they assume Game 6 was rigged for the Heat to win. But if you watched the game, you know that obviously wasn't the case. The referees fixed it against the Heat all night and had the Heat down all the way to the last 25 or so seconds of the game. The Heat only won because of two desperation 3s in the last seconds that just happened to go in. Obviously, they couldn't rig that to happen.

[@TheRiggedBA]

Your question wasn't what rigging was, your question was about markets. You asked why the big market Knicks lose and the small market Spurs win. Answer: because rigging isn't just based on market size. The video will go into more detail, but that is the answer in a nutshell to your specific question.

[@TheRiggedBA]

Why would I? The video isn't about game footage, it's about what people inside the NBA have said about it being rigged. And there are at least two quotes in the video about the 2006 Finals.

[@TheRiggedBA]

Yes, I read your previous(and current) bad attempts to downplay the implications of the Donaghy case. Unfortunately the facts are against you since the Donaghy case was about leaguewide rigging. So when you suggest that Donaghy was some kind of lonewolf, you are either ignorant of the case or deliberately skewing the facts. And Donaghy officiated the 2007 Spurs/Suns series and has admitted that it was rigged for the Spurs to win the title. I'm pretty sure 2007 was less than 10 years ago.

[@4lifeDeal]

I HAVE PERSONALLY SAT COURTSIDE AND WATCHED REFS ALTER GAMES. PERIOD! THE MOST OBDVIOUS IS WHEN THEY PUSH THE OVER/UNDER. I HAVE SEEN GAMES THAT WERE 20PT BLOWOUTS WITH JUST A CPL MINS REMAINING...NOT A STARTER ON THE FLOOR....AND THE WHISTLE JUST CONTINUES TO BLOW NON-STOP.....THEN MAGICALLY ONCE THE OVER HAS BEEN MET...WHISTLE GOES IN THE POCKET!