NBA players, refs tout 'incredibly productive' meeting

Fulfilling a long-planned initiative, representatives from the NBA Players Association and Referees Association met in Los Angeles on Saturday to discuss and try to ease the simmering tensions between the two sides.

In a joint statement, the NBPA and NBRA described the meeting as "incredibly productive in terms of opening up the lines of communication between both groups and beginning the process of improving relations."

According to the statement, the two sides agreed on "enhanced education and clarification around the Respect for the Game rules," the "opening of an additional channel of communication for future conflicts," plans for "future meetings and discussions," and a "broad review of existing rules and regulations and developing joint recommendations to enhance them."

The gist of the ongoing gripes: The refs feel players are being given too much latitude to verbally abuse them, while players feel officials have been increasingly condescending and disrespectful toward them. One meeting isn't going to undo years of growing animosity and distrust, but it seems like a positive start.

"In this meeting, we took some important steps in identifying existing frustrations for both sides," NBPA executive director Michele Roberts said in the statement. "Now with that information, we plan to move forward and continue to work together to find solutions that will enhance the on-court experience for both parties."