Jackson speaks out against NBA’s latest plan; calls cameras, microphones ‘intimidating’

Lakers coach Phil Jackson spoke his mind Wednesday, Dec. 5, about a new camera system, implemented this week by the NBA, which will give TV fans a look into teams’ locker rooms during the 45-minute period before games and will also require mandatory microphones on coaches, according to an article published Wednesday by the LA Daily News.

The NBA is attempting to give fans a more up-close and realistic look at what the teams and coaches go through in preparation for games, according to the article. But coaches and team members worry that the new system may be intrusive and interfere with teams’ privacy and their ability to focus before match ups.

“It’s going to be real hard on us coaches,” Jackson said. “We do things in private. It’s an inner sanctum. For people to be in the inner sanctum, where emotions are high. Just having cameras watching you, you know, and your every moves. It’s big brother, it’s very big brother. It’s very intimidating.”

Up until now, reporters were given a 45-minute period with the teams in locker rooms and then were asked to leave during the 45 minutes directly before game time. Jackson, who said the system would put microphones and cameras in places that he considers to be off-limits, spoke out against the system, pointing out that it appeared that coaches had let NBA officials off the hook too easily during meetings over the summer (which he did not take part in because of surgery and illness). The Lakers coach said he planned to make the best of the situation and that he would encourage the team to use the system to their advantage.

A few Lakers team members also said they were concerned that the NBA did not get their opinion on the locker room cameras.

“I don’t think players are worried about what people are going to hear,” said forward Derek Fisher, who is president of the players’ association. “People know there are grown men in here. They come to the games and they hear profanity. A lot of the fans are the ones yelling the profane words. [But] There are certain things that should be left in the framework of the team.”

The NBA hopes the new system will give fans at home more of what they are looking for: a closer, more personal experience with the teams and individual players. But for many, nothing compares to being in the actual game atmosphere. If you don’t want to be stuck at home watching the next match up, be sure to book a pair of Lakers tickets at Stubhub.com!

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