It didn’t take two technicals for the NBA to eject referee Joey Crawford, just a stern hand. The 29-year veteran ref on Tuesday was suspended indefinitely by commissioner David Stern after Crawford got testy with San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan during a game in Dallas on Sunday.
Duncan contends Crawford challenged him to a fight after a second technical foul and ejection. Stern said Crawford’s actions “failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees.” The NBA also fined Duncan $25,000 for verbal abuse of an official.
Crawford has officiated more than 2,000 regular-season games and 252 in the playoffs.
“Although Joey is consistently rated as one of our top referees,” Stern said, “he must be held accountable for his actions on the floor.”
