According to this article for Slam Dunk Central, an NBA referee said that the current structure in place is conducive to gambling. The ref said it would be very easy to effect the outcome of a game by calling fouls down the stretch. Well no shit. Of course a ref can effect the game by calling fouls down the stretch, any official in any sport can effect the outcome by making certain calls. The ref tried to justify this by saying that the NBA would turn the other cheek, because they want more offense and higher scores. Two things: First, does the NBA really need more offense? IT NEEDS MORE DEFENSE. Granted the offensive flow is bad, but the real problem with the NBA is that nobody plays any defense, and that causes the competitive edge to drop. Second, does calling more fouls really help the offense? Sure, it adds score, but if anything it gives the game less of a flow and makes it more painful to watch. So I am not so sure I agree with this ref.

What structure is needed where a ref can't effect the outcome of the game down the stretch? The structure where he is not on the floor? I understand he is trying to get at a greater theme, but it sounds like he is just trying to get his name in the news.