Study of N.B.A. Sees Racial Bias in Calling Fouls

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Categorized | Hate & Bigotry

Study of N.B.A. Sees Racial Bias in Calling Fouls

Posted on 02 May 2007

A study suggests that a racial bias found in other parts of American society also exists on the NBA basketball court.

An academic study of the National Basketball Association found that, during the 13 seasons from 1991 through 2004, white referees called fouls at a greater rate against black players than against white players.

Billy Hunter, executive director of the players’ union, said the results of the study are a reflection of society and don’t surprise him. Hunter also said that none of the NBA players have expressed concerns about racial bias in his eleven years with the union, but he added that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

The study was conducted by Justin Wolfers, an assistant professor for business and public policy at the Universityof Pennsylvannia’s Wharton School, and Joseph Price, a Cornell graduate student in economics. They conducted the study over thirteen seasons, ending in 2004, using box scores.

A corresponding bias was found in which black officials called fouls more frequently against white players, though that tendency was not as strong.

The N.B.A. says its own study shows there is no bias. Also, Kobe Bryant of L.A. Lakers moked the study — calling it “reverse racism, probably,” and TV analyst, a former NBA player, Steve “Snapper” Jones said the premise of the study seemed flawed.

Text of the Study (pdf document — requires adobe acrobat reader — click on link to install if you cannot read the document and your system does not prompt you.)

- Some Thoughts: Click here
- Related Aricle: Study of N.B.A. Sees Racial Bias in Calling Fouls
- Note: The author of the study that found racial bias in foul calls in the NBA gives a defense of his findings: Read it here

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