The NBA gets its Phil of Jackson

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Lakers, who are celebrating an NBA title after their win over Orlando Sunday night in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. ESPN/ABC are not in much of a celebratory mood, as they were hoping for a longer series with more compelling games.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson has now won more NBA titles as a coach (10) than anyone else. He previously shared the record with the Celtics legendary Red Auerbach. But Jackson may also be close to setting another record--most fines acculumated for criticizing league officials. Jackson got tagged for $25K during the Western Conference Finals series with Denver; he got hit for another 25 grand for his comments during the NBA Finals.

Interestingly, the latter fine came during the course of Game 4 (the only game the Lakers lost in the series). Between the first and second quarters Jackson referred to some of the 'bogus' calls
against L.A.

Isn't this a little hypocritical on the part of the NBA? After all, Jackson never asked to wear a microphone during the game or submit to in-game interviews; those are both ideas the league pushed in order to make the game more TV fan-friendly. Jackson was simply being himself--someone who gets occasionally gets worked up on the sideline in the midst of intense competition. If the NBA doesn't want honesty then don't mic up the coaches and don't ask them questions during the game. (You might also want to watch what you ask Phil after the game).