David Stern “implies” that Jim Rome beats his wife

Jun 12, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; NBA commissioner David Stern (right) addresses the media before game one between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat in the 2012 NBA Finals at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Jim Rome certainly has a history of putting his guests on the spot. In a live radio interview with NBA commissioner David Stern, Rome inquired about the integrity of the 2012 NBA Draft Lottery. Stern, however, wasn’t going to take his question lightly.

Stern jabbed at Rome with an extremely loaded question, “Have you stopped beating your wife yet?” While Stern was joking, the question obviously caught Rome off guard. You can listen to the audio at Deadspin.

I understand that the question is highly unethical, but I don’t have too much of a problem with Stern giving a little subtle jab. The notion that the lottery is rigged is an overused narrative and one that I don’t give much credence. I’ve always believed the NBA kept the interests of the fans at heart rather than simply appeasing their own whims. New Orleans held the fourth-highest probability (13.7%) after all. New Orleans earning the No. 1 overall pick may seem suspicious, but until we are presented with tangible evidence to the contrary, please stop criticizing the NBA. The worst team doesn’t have to win, otherwise why should we even have a lottery?

The lesson as always? Do not mess with David Stern.