Longtime NBA referee Scott Foster spoke candidly about the recent advent of players aiming money gestures at referees. Rudy Gobert has been fined for the same twice this season while Jamal Murray did the same during the Playoffs. Foster got real on how watching this personally affects him as it questions his integrity.
“I wouldn’t say it offends me, but it definitely affects me, where I go, ‘Wow, man. Like really?’ I mean, come on. That’s not what we are about. You’ve got to be kidding me you think that. I just think that has become a symbol of disrespect, or a way you disrespect an official.”
Referee and player relations were at an all-time low this season, with multiple players and coaches openly criticizing referees. What makes these relations even more contentious is the NBA cracking down on players and coaches dissenting publicly by fines.
Fines issued by the league office for criticizing officials have nearly doubled this season, going up to $765,000 from the $385,000 issued in fines over the 2022-23 season. There have been iconic moments of referee denunciation this season, with the best example being Darko Rajakovic’s rant on the referees after a close loss to the Lakers.
Foster is right to feel hurt at his integrity being questioned, but officials need to do a better job of being transparent with players and coaches. They hand out technicals like mints at a speed dating event, which further expands the trust gap between everyone involved.
Retired NBA Referee Calls Chris Paul An A**Hole
Scott Foster might not enjoy being shown the money sign by Rudy Gobert, but he has played an active role in a rivalry with NBA legend Chris Paul. It’s an open secret that Paul rarely wins games coached by Foster, losing 14 in a row before ending that streak in 2023. There have also been personal disagreements between the two, which likely won’t ever find a resolution, even after Paul retires.
But Chris Paul’s reputation amongst non-Foster referees is just as bad. Retired referee Bill Spooner, who served in his role for 32 years, criticized Paul heavily and referred to him as an a**hole.
“I get asked all the time: ‘Who are some of the tough guys, some of the bad guys?’ And when I tell them that Chris Paul, in my 32 years in the league, was one of the biggest a-holes I ever dealt with, they say, ‘Not Rasheed Wallace … or da-da-da?’ Nope. Nothing like (Paul), And they are like, ‘Oh, he seems like such a nice guy.’ And I say, ‘Yeah, he’s a great image cultivator.’”
Referees hold grudges openly, so it’s fair game for players to respond by questioning their impartialness. That’s the nature of referee relationships, especially given the stakes of NBA games. Foster can continue to feel hurt, as Gobert and others are also definitely feeling hurt by the inconsistency we see in modern NBA officiating.
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