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Perception ? Reality: Analyzing Specific Allegations of NBA Referee Bias

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  • Rodenberg Ryan

    (Florida State University)

Abstract

The 2007 gambling scandal involving a National Basketball Association (NBA) referee, coupled with the NBA's follow-up investigation, put allegations of basketball referee bias in the spotlight. This paper analyzes specific allegations of bias by Miami Heat coach and general manager Pat Riley against NBA referees Steve Javie and Derrick Stafford. In the course of analyzing every referee who officiated a Miami Heat during a nine-year period, neither Javie nor Stafford exhibited systematic bias that had an adverse effect on the Miami Heat. In fact, the Heat performed slightly better than predicted when Javie officiated their games. The results provide real-world empirical evidence consistent with "confirmation bias," a theory grounded in the finding that individuals with a vested interest in certain self-justifying outcomes may reach generalized conclusions unsupported by actual evidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Rodenberg Ryan, 2011. "Perception ? Reality: Analyzing Specific Allegations of NBA Referee Bias," Journal of Quantitative Analysis in Sports, De Gruyter, vol. 7(2), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:jqsprt:v:7:y:2011:i:2:n:8
    DOI: 10.2202/1559-0410.1326
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Rhett Brymer & Ryan M. Rodenberg & Huimiao Zheng & Tim R. Holcomb, 2021. "College Football Referee Bias and Sports Betting Impact," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 47(1), pages 91-106, January.
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    bias; basketball; referees;
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