Referee Joey Crawford was reinstated by Commissioner David Stern on Monday, five months after he was suspended indefinitely for improper on-court conduct.
San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan contended that Crawford challenged him to a fight during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on April 15. Crawford ejected Duncan while the player was laughing on the bench. Stern cited a pattern of similar acts in suspending Crawford.
“I am satisfied that Joey understands the standards of game management and professionalism the NBA expects from him,” Stern said.
Crawford is entering his 32nd season as an NBA referee.
*Restricted free-agent guard Charlie Bell signed a five-year, $18.5 million offer sheet with the Miami Heat that he hopes the Milwaukee Bucks choose not to match. The 6-foot-3-inch Bell has made it clear he wants to play for the Heat, foiled in a bid to woo guard Mo Williams away from the Bucks. Bell averaged a career-high 13.5 points in a breakout 2006-07 season.
