Who Was Out of Line: David Stern or Jim Rome?

Just a couple of days ago, NBA Commissioner David Stern managed to overtake the headlines, even with everyone talking about Miami Heat Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder in the Finals. It was just the last series between the Heat and Boston Celtics that fans were questioning whether referees were too whistle happy and wondering if aspects of basketball were "fixed." With a great Game 1 already in the books, you didn't hear much complaining from fans.

Well, maybe until now. Bombastic media personality Jim Rome interviewed Stern on his radio show's popular segment “The Jungle” -- and boy, did it get wild in a short amount of time. Rome, who is known to be off-the-cuff and charismatic, asked Stern if the NBA Draft Lottery was fixed (it was won by the previously league-owned New Orleans Hornets.) Then, Stern picked one of the worse statements the head of the NBA could use: “Do you still beat your wife?”

While Stern implied that Rome asked a loaded question instead of saying Rome assaults women, it was certainly a poor choice of words. Rome admitted he was offended, but Stern replied that it's an irrelevant question regarding the lottery. In reality, Stern could have just said “No” and left it at that, but clearly if you want to make the commissioner mad, just say the word “fixed.” Unless it relates to his family dog Fluffy. Who's in the wrong here: David Stern, Jim Rome -- or both?