More controversy for the San Antonio Spurs

[Da Coach]

The Spurs were just fined $250,000 for their coach's decision to rest 4 starters in a recent game at Miami.
Now another controversy is emerging. This picture surfaced on the internet showing Spurs' stars Tim Duncan and Tony Parker dressed as criminals holding guns pointed at the head of someone dressed up as NBA Referee Joey Crawford-

http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/dish/201212/embarrassing-photo-spurs-players-leaked-online

[cpacmel]

IMO Pretty Harmless photos from a Halloween party:

http://www.nbacircle.com/san-antonio-spurs-halloween-party-tony-parkers-nueve-lounge.html

Since Joey Crawford and Duncan have a history, it's actually pretty funny that someone showed up at the party as Joey Crawford.

[Da Coach]

It doesn't bother me, and probably is not a concern to the overwhelming majority of NBA fans. However, the NBA has taken a strong stand against guns involving some previous cases, and is especially sensitive to criticism or attacks directed at officials. They also do not like instances like this that draws bad publicity. So even in this seemingly innocuous case the NBA will likely come down on Duncan and Parker with at least a substantial fine.

[lefty]

I actually couldn't believe Stern fined them 250k because he rested players...

That is just crazy IMO.....

[Chico]

Sorry, but with all the gun violence in this country, this is no harmless Halloween photo.

[jeffsu]

Admittedly, I'm a big Spurs fan. Partially grew up there, so I've always had an affinity for the twin towers (Robinson/Duncan).

I have a problem with the $250K for "resting players," fine. They had a 7-road game stretch, against a Miami team that had 3 games in like 16 days. All at home. When you have a veteran (read: OLD) team, you need to save their legs for later in the season. And it puts the pressure on the young guns. Guess what? They showed up and nearly took that game, on the road, against defending champs.

On the other hand, THIS PHOTO, deserves a fine, in my opinion. It's ludicrous that these guys are dumb enough to do something like this (why can't you just pretend to punch him or something... why add guns?!), much less be PHOTOGRAPHED doing it.

Probably seems backwards, but man, I would much rather see this kind of behavior get the fine instead of resting a few guys.