Nba Ref Situation Gets Murky

Negotiators for the NBA’s locked-out referees have said no to the league’s latest contract proposal, but that may not be the end of the matter.

Rank-and-file union members have received copies of the proposal and could decide to act against the wishes of their leadership by taking a vote on the proposed deal.

The NBA mailed copies of its proposed salary scale and other contract terms to all 54 referees, who have been locked out since Oct. 1.

The proposal, made Thursday, provides average 10 percent annual increases over five years.

The league has stepped up the pressure by promising to have three-man replacement crews on the court by Dec. 4. Currently two are on the court.