The NBA announced a five-point program aimed at improving the deteriorating relationship between players and referees.
"As a league, we take great pride in standing for the best things about sports: competition, teamwork, respect, sportsmanship, diversity and inclusion," NBA president of league operations Byron Spruell said in a statement. "Recently we have seen instances in which we have not lived up to our own collective standards with regard to sportsmanship. It is important for us to place a renewed emphasis on proper communication and respet to make sure we are meeting the standards expected from all members of the NBA family.