The NBA did not go far from a huge controversy at the end of last season around arbitration and its ex-referee Eric Lewis. The retirement of this referee in question, suspected of bias, put an end to the investigation, but the image of the NBA refereeing body was tarnished. To wash away the insult, the league will therefore try to reshuffle the management of arbitration and has started its housekeeping with the induction of Albert Sanders as executive vice-president, responsible for arbitration.
Albert Sanders has a fairly unique background since he comes from Google where he was responsible for government affairs and public policy. Before that, he held several positions in the US Parliament and government, including as advisor to President Barack Obama.
Supervision of the Replay Center
“I am excited to have the opportunity to use my experience in strategic oversight and planning to improve the NBA officiating program. It will be a privilege to work with such a talented group within a world-class organization that values innovation, creativity and integrity.”, did he declare.
Albert Sanders will work alongside Monty McCutchen, a former NBA referee in the 2010s who has served as vice president of referee development and training for the past six seasons. Among his prerogatives, Albert Sanders will lead the NBA refereeing program and will be responsible for the recruitment, supervision and evaluation of all referees. He will also oversee the Replay Center. Although Sanders’ title is higher than McCutchen’s, both will report directly to NBA President Byron Spruell.
