Referee Joe DeRosa Throws the Ball at a Fan

Last night the Orlando Magic most likely gave up on their chance to return to the NBA Finals by falling 0-2 to the Boston Celtics. While all of Orlando is sure the Magic can travel to Boston this weekend and pick up a few wins to even the season, there is one person who won't be making the trip. No it's not one of the players, it's 18 year veteran referee Joe DeRosa.

The NBA has had more than it's fair share of issues with their refs over the past few years. Getting one of your top officials caught in a gambling scandal will do that to you. Commissioner David Stern has worked hard to improve the reputation of his league and it's officials. DeRosa's actions on Tuesday night may have caused the reputation of NBA officials to take a giant step backwards.

Just before halftime of the Eastern Conference Finals match up, Joe DeRosa went to the scorers table to pick up the crews warm up jackets before heading to their locker room. On his way to the table DeRosa encountered a rowdy fan (go figure). The fan exchanged a few words with with the NBA official, and that's when DeRosa felt the urge to chuck the ball at the fan.