Guys. Seriously!

Details are pouring in regarding the surprising end to the NBA Referee lockout.  One name coming up often in both confirmed and unconfirmed reports is that of soon to be New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov.  Prokhorov is rumored to have played an instrumental role in bringing an end to the strife between the Referee’s Union and the NBA.  The month long lockout had plagued the leagues pre-season games, stirring up the ire of several coaches and organizations.  Though the revenue gained from fining the likes of Stan Van Gundy helped offset the projected downturn in revenue for the upcoming season, the many assets of Prokhorov, playboy billionaire, proved too much for all parties to ignore.  Monetary details of the two year deal were not disclosed, but inside sources have revealed that a special “incentive” program established by Prokhorov was the key negotiation piece to gaining the the Referee’s Unions support.

Current NBA Ref 'Tang

Potential Prokhorov 'Tang

Details of the incentive program, known as the “Prokhorov Adendum,” are known to include four weekend getaways as well as two weeks vacation a year at Prokhorov’s many fully stocked mansions, chateau’s, villa’s, or palaces.  Said one NBA Ref who requested anonymity, “The negotiations took place underground with 1000 naked women swimming in a lake of champagne.  It really was a no-brainer for  55 of the 57 of us.”  When asked about the two referees that had reservations, the official said a select amount of “man-candy” had been included in the deal.  The agreement comes not a moment too soon with the start of the 2009-2010 NBA season only a day away.