[Previous entry: "The Greatest Thing Since ..."] [Next entry: "iPod Followup"]

12/12/2006: "Upon Further Review, The Decision Is Reversed"

Remember all the whining the NBA players did at the beginning of the season because the league decided to replace the existing leather ball with a "composite" version (think playground ball)? I guess it did some good - the leather ball will return on January 1.

Commissioner David Stern has never been one to back down, so you can bet there's more going on than just the players being upset - and you'd be right.

Stern relented after a number of high-profile players, including Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash, reported that the composite material — its surface meant to provide "superior grip and feel" — cut and scraped their hands.

It's OK to irritate your stars, but when you start causing injuries - no matter how minor - that's gonna be an issue ... especially in today's lawsuit-happy world. Of course, the players could always seek employment elsewhere. Maybe if they worked for a living, their hands would be a little tougher ...