Derek Richardson discusses preferential treatment in NBA officiating

Derek Richardson, a former NBA official, addressed the notion of 'superstar treatment' for elite players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James on Byron Scott's Fast Break podcast. He stated that every play is reviewed and that this perception of preferential treatment is misguided. Richardson emphasized that star players succeed because they know how to play, not due to special calls from referees. This discussion comes as the NBA begins its new season with ongoing debates about officiating standards and fairness.

• 8:44 AMYahoo Sports — “No, because number one, every play gets reviewed, and …