misunderestimation

NBA Commissioner David Stern introduced a new composite basketball into the league this year. The new ball was supposed to be better than the old leather ball; less absorbent and a more consistent bounce. The only problem was, the players did not like the new ball. Stern had this comment about the players reactions:

“We’ve been testing it and retesting it,” Stern said. “And I think that some of the dramatics around it were a little overstated in terms of the downside and not enough recognition of the upside.”

“Dramatics” in the NBA? Really? Is that possible? Good for you Commissioner, stand up to those pampered athletes and show them who’s boss.

Well, on Monday, Stern finally gave in and the NBA announced the return of the old leather basketball on January 1:

“Our players’ response to this particular composite ball has been overwhelmingly negative and we are acting accordingly,” NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement. “Although testing performed by Spalding and the NBA demonstrated that the new composite basketball was more consistent than leather, and statistically there has been an improvement in shooting, scoring, and ball-related turnovers, the most important statistic is the view of our players.”

Well, at least the composite basketball will have friends to commiserate with. Remember the ABA red, white, and blue basketball or the orange baseball?

  

Now, those were good ideas!

Others Blogging:

• Back to the old balls
• The Humbling Of David Stern
• Bounced!
• David Stern Is Deflated, Sort Of
• NBA Listens to Employees

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