Cricma announcers say fans' perceptions of bias are typical

If you’re a fan of the Miami Heat or Dallas Mavericks and start believing over the next two weeks that ABC’s broadcast crew of Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson is rooting against your team, you’re probably not alone.

You’re also wrong, according to the announcers, who say they hear complaints about their alleged favoritism all the time.
In this image provided by ESPN, commentators Mark Jackson, left, Jeff Van Gundy, center, and Mike Breen are shown on the ESPN set during an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, June 3, 2010. With Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson linked to coaching openings, how long can ABC keep its trio together?

“... Our job is to speak the facts. The facts are that a couple of games in the series there were breakdowns, and they didn't play as well as they could have played. They had a couple of games won, and they did not win them. But they had a great season, and they should be extremely proud.”

Breen added, “I think overall broadcasts are more critical in the playoffs in terms of what a team is doing and what a certain player is doing. And I think that's why sometimes the fans might be a little sensitive, because also their emotions are running high.”

Jackson and Breen both said a perception of bias is very common among fans.