THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 14, 1994 TAG: 9406140504
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ABE GOLDBLATT, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940614 LENGTH: VIRGINIA BEACH
``The player are to blame,'' he said Monday at the Norfolk Sports Club luncheon meeting at the Holiday Inn Executive Center. ``There's too much holding and shoving in games, and it's getting harder for the referees to call everything that's going on. As a result, predictable offenses and the rough play have slowed down the games and reduced scoring.''
{REST} To curb the rough play, Bristow suggested longer suspensions for players involved.
He noted that fines are getting higher and higher for the players ejected from games.
``But this isn't the answer to the problem,'' Bristow said. ``The players can well afford to pay the fines. I think the only way to solve the problem is is to dish out longer suspensions, of a week or more. Players that can afford to pay the fines don't like to miss playing time.
``The league is in a healthy state, but it has to clean up its house a bit, cut out the rough stuff and move to a more up-tempo style of play.''
In reference to the June 29 NBA draft, Bristow said, ``Grant Hill is the only super player.'' He predicted that the Duke star would go to Detroit, which has the third pick.
He said that Purdue's Glenn Robinson would be the No. 1 pick, with Milwaukee selecting him, and that California's Jason Kidd would go second, to Dallas.
As for the Hornets, he said they might be looking for a fill a need - a backup for point guard Muggsy Bogues - when their turn comes with the 38th pick.
by CNB