But, Stern added, there was a difference between eavesdropping in a locker room and "putting mikes around the court to pick up the sounds of the game".
Campaigners on both sides have asked the supreme court to pick up the issue and make a final decision on its constitutionality.
"But there's a difference," he added, "between eavesdropping — putting a mike in a locker room or huddle, other than the one the league does — and putting mikes around the court to pick up the sounds of the game".
Those who worship in the church of their ancestors yet ignore much of its outdated and even medieval dogma are dismissed as "cafeteria Catholics," cruising the theological food court to pick and choose their beliefs.
The bizarre story, first reported by The Star-Ledger of Newark this week, detailed how Dolan had a microphone prominently stationed on each baseline of Madison Square Garden's court to pick up player chatter during last Friday's 108-101 loss to the Chicago Bulls (and also, it is being reported, during last Sunday's 100-87 win over the New Orleans Hornets).
And because the game is being played overseas, there is little or no chance that the Knicks' enigmatic owner, James L. Dolan, will have Madison Square Garden employees aim microphones at the court to pick up every in-game conversation in which Anthony is involved, as Dolan is alleged to have done in last Friday's game at the Garden against the Chicago Bulls.
America's highest court has not accepted another same-sex marriage case, though the legal maneuvering across appellate, circuit and state courts is seen as part of an effort to push the supreme court to pick up a case, likely from Utah or Virginia.
Wait 24 hours, then return to the court to pick up your marriage license.
Donovan, after watching the Missouri let Norfolk State walk or run the ball up the court, chose to pick the Spartans up full court.
The city was under a federal court order to pick a site for the plant, which will filter water from the Croton Aqueduct system.
