Is it time for the NBA to address the situation between Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul and NBA referee Scott Foster?
After Foster ejected Paul in Wednesday’s 123-115 loss to the Phoenix Suns, which marked the latest incident between the six-foot guard and veteran NBA official, former players and pundits pleaded with the league to step in and take action.
NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal endorsed a post via Instagram of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith’s comments that Foster and Paul should never grace the same court again due to their battled history.
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Former player Matt Barnes, once a teammate of Paul’s with the Clippers, tweeted:
“Dear @NBA how many more times are you gonna allow Scott Foster to referee @CP3 …?? He’s f—d Chris over & whatever team he’s on & y’all know this & keep allowing smfh #WHY?”
@Matt_Barnes22
Paul’s former teammate in Phoenix, Devin Booker, is aware of the feud between the two. According to Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports, Booker has seen their rift closely and he believes a potential resolution may occur when both are ready to retire.
Chris Paul technical foul call escalates quickly
Just before halftime of Wednesday’s game, Foster called Paul for a blocking foul for his defense of Suns forward Kevin Durant.
Paul, who returned to Phoenix after three years with the franchise, believed Durant flopped to draw the call. While Durant stepped to the free-throw line, the conversation between Foster and Paul escalated.
Leaked audio footage shows Paul vehemently disagreeing that he was out of position to warrant Foster to blow his whistle. Foster maintained his stance and warned Paul to let it go.
When he didn’t take Foster’s advice, Paul was issued his first technical foul after he used obscene language toward the 29-year referee. A few seconds later, Paul was thrown out of the game after telling Foster, “I got something for you.”
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How the Chris Paul/Scott Foster feud affects games
Their reported friction even plays a role in the win-loss column. NBA writer Tom Haberstoh reported that Paul’s teams are 3-17 in playoff games officiated by Foster.
While some may believe it’s typical banter that happens on the hardwood, that sentiment doesn’t apply to Paul, who said after Wednesday’s game this isn’t an ordinary thing.
“It’s personal,” Paul said postgame while referencing a situation between the two and Paul’s 14-year-old son from years ago.