WNBA players are entertaining the idea of a lockout, and the iron is hot. Last October, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association announced players were opting out of the WNBA/WNBPA collective bargaining agreement.

Last Thursday, Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. was suspended 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. Portis tested positive for the painkiller Tramadol, which he used to treat an elbow injury.

The referee problem in the NBA has more to do with interpersonal values than in-game conduct. The frustration that fans, players and coaches alike have toward game officials has become increasingly evident less than two months into the regular season. While the incidents and negative feedback is ramping up, these complaints are not new.