Pistons’ Reggie Jackson: Refs should be penalized for bad calls

Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson was critical of the officiating following his team’s elimination from the playoffs by the Cavaliers.

Get breaking news and SI’s biggest stories instantly. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by following your favorite teams and SI writers.

Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson was critical of the officiating following his team’s elimination from the playoffs in four games by the Cleveland Cavaliers, telling the media that referees should face fines and suspensions for blown calls.

Jackson’s comment came immediately after discussing Kryie Irving’s defense on his final shot of the game, a potential game-winning three-pointer. Jackson believed he got fouled on the shot, and the Pistons ended up losing 100–98.

“We got a stop, no timeouts. Kyrie decided to pick up early,” Jackson said according to ESPN. “Thought I cleared some spacing, went to take a good shot, tried to find a good look. I just think refs need to have some type of system in line... fines, suspensions, being fired. Same thing happens to us.”

Pistons' Reggie Jackson: NBA referees should have "system [of] fines, suspensions, being fired" for bad calls pic.twitter.com/v5WuN66dsr

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 25, 2016

• Stan Van Gundy met with Stanley Johnson after his LeBron comments

Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy was also critical of the officiating during the series, saying at one point that referees avoid making calls against LeBron James.

Jackson scored 13 points and dished out 12 assists in the series finale.