I can get that but how often do you really think that will happen? And how often will it have to happen for fans to actually start tuning out of primetime games completely. If you're a fan and THIS makes you turn away from the game, then you're a fool IMO. If you came back from a lockout, you can pull your panties up and deal with a star resting once in a while. The thing that's boggling my mind is that it turned out to be an entertaining game but everyone is still complaining. Stern's TV aren't in any jeopardy. If he was so adamant about this, where was it the past few years where they've had cellar dwellars on ESPN/TNT/ABC in April?
I didn't necessarily mean to say that, and for most of us on here, it won't matter because we'll be watching regardless (unless there's football on, which there was last night).
But to Stern I'm sure he feels like every viewer counts, and that's money he's letting go. Overall, in the end, people still still end up watching in June, He was posturing and wanted to send a message that everyone would see that would assure that people get to see the players they want to. It won't work, but I can only assume that's what he was trying to do.
The more people watch on a Thursday, the more that people aren't watching football. Stern is probably the unhappiest camper that there's football on every Thursday. Even though more people have TNT than NFL Network, those that want to watch sports will find a way to watch it. The more that people watch regular seasons game, the more TV money there is to make. He's trying to protect his property. I don't necessarily agree with him, but I see what he's doing.
All that said, I'm completely behind Pop and his decision, as you said, it's his team, and he's doing it in the best interest for his players, and to be sharp Saturday against Memphis.
But if this were OJ Mayo, Dirk Nowitzki, and Shawn Marion not playing on ABC/ESPN/TNT, I'd be pretty bummed.