HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

Magic Johnson has come out in defense of David Stern amid assertions from a lawyer representing the National Basketball Players’ Association that the NBA commissioner is treating players like “plantation workers.”In a telephone interview with The Associated Press, Johnson said Jeffrey Kessler’s assertions were “ridiculous” while praising Stern as a commissioner who has done plenty to further the success of black players in the league.”This league is more diverse than any other league and has more minoritiesin powerful positions than any other league,” Johnson told AP. “That’s all about David Stern and his vision and what he wanted todo. He make sure minorities had high-ranking positions from the league officeall the way down to coaches and front office people.”Tensions are high as the league and its players’ union continue working to hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement in time to save what’s left of the season. Stern has already canceled all scheduled November games and said if an agreement isn’t reached Wednesday, the offer made to the players will get worse.Kessler hasn’t been alone in his assertion. Broadcast journalist Bryant Gumbel likened Stern to a “plantation overseer” last month on his HBO show.Johnson says it’s acceptable to disagree with Stern, but not to “attack the man and what he stands for.”Stern wouldn’t comment on Kessler’s statement, except to say that the attorney’s actions are “routinely despicable.”