In an attempt to crackdown on the players excessive whining and bitching, the league has expanded its guidelines for a technical foul:
Referees have been instructed to call a technical for:
• Players making aggressive gestures, such as air punches, anywhere on the court.
• Demonstrative disagreement, such as when a player incredulously raises his hands, or smacks his own arm to demonstrate how he was fouled.
• Running directly at an official to complain about a call.
• Excessive inquiries about a call, even in a civilized tone.
In addition, referees have been instructed to consider calling technicals on players who use body language to question or demonstrate displeasure, or say things like, "Come on!" They can also consider technicals for players who "take the long path to the official", walking across the court to make their case.
Air punches? Raising your hands? Whoa. I know Dictator David Stern likes to maintain order, but this borders on insanity.
Even though he won't hit the court until February or March, Kendrick Perkins may still reach a career high in technical fouls.
As I stated last night on the 2 Man Game, I don't understand why players bitch incessantly to the referees. It only hurts them. You're bound to get more calls if you keep quiet.