Part 6/10:
The broader societal issues mirror the league’s internal problems. The NBA has become somewhat of a "pop culture" spectacle, prioritizing entertainment over discipline. This, combined with the league's perceived softness, has turned many players into 'children' rather than professionals. The criticism extends to how the league has handled discipline, with programs and policies seen as too lenient or inconsistent.
Billips and Rosier’s involvement in illegal betting underscores a failure to instill proper boundaries and accountability. Former players and insiders emphasize that athletes need structure, consequences, and leadership—elements that, according to critics, are sorely lacking.