NBA owners playing hardball with players

NBA owners seem to have their minds set on playing hardball with the players, filing claims against the league's players association, accusing them off uncooperative behavior and making threats to dissolve the union. The NBA is also trying to get a head start on reforming wages if the players go ahead and dissolve the union.

The move itself probably won't have any effect on the current dispute between the owners and players, coming off as nothing more than posturing.

"The NBA Players Association has made no decision to decertify." NBA players' attorney Jeffrey Kessler told the Associated Press. "They talk about the fact that this is something the players have considered for 30 years, and that's true. And they haven't done it for 30 years, so there's no decision made. There may be no decision made. We view this as an example of their bad-faith bargaining. They don't want to be at the table."

The players have also flexed their muscles during the current lockout, with players like New Jersey Nets guard Deron Williams exercising their rights to play overseas. Other like Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant, and Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade have also indicated they would consider playing abroad if the lockout is not resolved in a timely fashion. FIBA has already declared that NBA players do have the right to play in other basketball leagues around the world, as long as those under contracts return when the lockout is over.

With NFL owners and players finally getting to an agreement, many were hoping the NBA would try to do the same. The owners' move to sue the players association is another reminder basketball fans should be prepared for a long ugly process. Like NBA Commissioner David Stern said regarding the lockout, "Let the festivities begin."

It's had to sympathize with either side, given how financially rewarding their industry is. I've never met a person who wouldn't want the type of checks that NBA players and owners draw.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Dave Campbell, "NBA takes legal action against locked-out players" Associated Press