ESPNNBA

Paul Pierce Ejected: ESPN’s Van Gundy Charges Ref With “Ruining The End To This Game”

by Dan Fogarty | 6:58 pm, May 1st, 2011

Down with the zebras! Echoing the sentiments of many, ESPN announcer Jeff Van Gundy said referee Ed Malloy was “ruining the end to this game” after Malloy charged Celtics forward Paul Pierce with his second technical foul in less than 58 seconds during today’s Game 1 between the Heat and Celtics.

Miami won 99-90, and takes a 1-0 series lead.

Pierce was tossed, but it’s not exactly clear why. After setting a hard screen on Dwyane Wade, the two briefly got into each other’s faces. Malloy, who was right there, immediately stepped between the two, and then ejected Pierce.

This got Van Gundy fired up.

Although Malloy obviously overreacted, it’s dicey business for announcers to rail on officials, and they usually try to avoid calling out refs directly. But kudos to Van Gundy for not holding back.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers was also (understandably) peeved. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Rivers told Malloy, “You can’t get emotional…it was two guys talking…that’s on you.”

http://twitter.com/janaelica Jana Elica

Looks stunning http://tinyurl.com/3skycdd
NBA-sham

Why is it dicey business for a broadcaster to call out an official? More than one did it on this occasion, because EVERYONE knows it was a blatant BS call to toss him. Pierce finally comes alive in the game and they promptly oust him. Can it be more obvious? Would they do this to a Kobe or Lebron or Wade?

Nope.

Players and coaches can’t speak the truth about corrupt officiating or they get fined (or more bad calls against them in the future.)

What a sham.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_B7YUWXHFCMC6LC2D5KMVIE7UWQ J ROCK

Thats payback for faking an injury and crapping your pants against the Lakers 3 years ago.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_B7YUWXHFCMC6LC2D5KMVIE7UWQ J ROCK

Thats payback for faking an injury and crapping your pants against the Lakers 3 years ago.
Goldbug828

looks pretty lame to me, compared to much more intense roughing up and nothing called, not even a foul.
http://profiles.google.com/hawkcw4 Ed Durffee

The most frustrating thing in the world is to be accused ( foul called or in this case, an offense that the Ref felt obligated to throw him out ) and you cant plead your case nor question the fool that made the call. New rules say you cant even show any emotion if you are called, without getting called for a technical. It is absolutely wrong that a Ref at any level can influence the game. But we see it every day. I ask why we tolerate this, why does the leagues tolerate this. Time to go to the Commisioners and demand they do something. Some official at every game should be there to over turn a stupid call. And if a Ref makes a habit of stupid or revengegul calles, suspend or fire him/her.