NBA will whistle more techs for 'overt' gestures

[September 25, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Tired of players complaining, the NBA plans to crack down this season on "overt" gestures, such as swinging a fist in the air in anger.

Also, players can be called for technical fouls even if those actions weren't directed at a referee.

The league is expanding its "respect for the game" guidelines to include unsportsmanlike actions that it feels takes away from the product on the floor.

Stu Jackson, the league's executive vice president of basketball operations, says "player complaining is not really needed in our game and has no place in the game."

Jackson cites actions such as waving away an official or jumping up and down in disbelief as those that will be punishable this season.

[Associated Press; By BRIAN MAHONEY]

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