Force David Stern's Resignation, External League Investigation

Dear Legislators and Owners of the National Basketball Association:

We as fans of the great sport of basketball, and consequently of the largest professional organization of the sport in the world, strongly insist upon the removal of David Stern from his current position as Commissioner of the National Basketball Association. We agree that, under current leadership, the product being presented to us is highly disconcerting.

We have lost all faith in the integrity of the NBA, and the chasm between the sport and us as fans has become so vast that many of us question whether we should continue to support it.

Mr. Stern assumed his current position in 1984—through the end of the 90’s the league was in good health, and was seemingly free of corruption. In the 2000’s things have been on the decline. It is our opinion that for nearly a decade, the NBA’s current leadership has been ineffective. The ratings have decreased due to an increase in criminality and infidelity of players, and general disillusionment with the questionable actions of many officials.

Recently, leadership has been faced with blatant problems that should have been immediately, appropriately addressed, and it is our opinion that Stern has failed to act effectively. In light of the allegations of game fixing, and the suggestion of league involvement, we believe the appropriate course of action would have been a thorough investigation. Instead Mr. Stern chose to negate the allegations based purely on his opinion of Tim Donaghy. Considering the severity of the accusations, we as fans and consumers of this increasingly expensive product find this to be rather curious, and feel that we are entitled to know the extent of corruption within the league, if any.

While we do not accuse Mr. Stern of any involvement with corruption, it is our stance that his lack of action sets a dangerous precedent that could damage our league forever. If in fact, complex webs of gambling corruption and manipulation exist within the NBA, it is the Commissioner’s duty to disband them and restore the integrity of the organization.

Additionally, players have not been forced to take any accountability for their actions. It appears that Mr. Stern has taken more offense to public criticism of the league than to criminal infractions. Carmelo Anthony was detained for driving under the influence and went unpunished. Jamaal Tinsley’s name has come up in gun-related violence multiple times, and nothing. Again, we believe the league can be restored to order, prominence, and popularity through setting strong precedents and Mr. Stern has failed repeatedly, in the eyes of the consumer, to do so.

Therefore, we humbly state that if the National Basketball Association is to continue to have our support, money, and loyalty at the level that it currently and historically has received it, a change in leadership as well as an appropriate probe into Mr. Donaghy’s allegations (similar to Major League Baseball’s Mitchell Report) will be necessary.

Thank you all for your kind consideration.

Respectfully Submitted: