NBA complained to ESPN about Jeff Van Gundy

According to Andrew Marchand, the NBA did not appreciate Jeff Van Gundy’s criticism of the league’s officiating and complained to ESPN about it.

While there is no evidence that the league demanded his removal, ESPN executives were concerned that Van Gundy might return to coaching, a possibility he had considered for years.

“Though the NBA did not like Van Gundy’s criticism of its officiating – and complained about it to ESPN – there is no proof that the league ordered his banishment.

“One concern ESPN had, according to executives briefed on their decision-making, was that Van Gundy would jump back into coaching, which he had flirted with for years.”