By MARC BERMAN
June 16, 2008
LOS ANGELES - Veteran referee Dick Bavetta, under an FBI probe last summer in connection with Game 6 of the 2002 Lakers-Kings playoff series, was back on the Staples Center court last night for Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Bavetta also worked Game 1.
In interviews earlier this week, former referee Hue Hollins revealed he was questioned last summer by the FBI about Bavetta, 68.
"I think it's something that is best settled for the summer and it's something the offseason and preseason next year the NBA will have a chance to really discuss it," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said last night. "We hope the summer brings some things around that will just cool this off and we can have some confidence again with the public about our refereeing situation."
Jackson revealed he sat down with NBA officials for "two or three hours" to offer suggestions on the officiating before the season.
"(The NBA) sent out a delegate of people that took some notes from officials in the ballclub, suggestions that could aid the refereeing situation," Jackson said. "I think they got a lot of material."
Last week, Jackson suggested the NBA and referees should be governed by different entities.
"That wouldn't be a wise management decision," commissioner David Stern said.
