dana scott, arizona republic
·4 min read
The NBA community knows that Chris Paul and one of the league's most recognizable officials Scott Foster are sworn enemies. Foster's officiating has made him a heel to many fans and the former Phoenix Suns All-Star, given Paul's 3-17 playoff record in games that Foster's been the crew chief.
Another former official Bill Spooner claimed to The Athletic in an article about Foster published Monday that Paul's cantankerous personality makes him "one of the biggest a--holes" during games.
Spooner's comment about Paul stemmed from being asked which players made his job harder during his 32 years in the league.
"I'm going to tell you, and I know you are recording me, but I get asked all the time: 'Who are some of the tough guys, some of the bad guys?'"Spooner said. "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.'"
In defense of Foster, Spooner added that "every era has the referee who everybody hates.'' However, he considers Foster as one of the top officials since Foster began in the league during the 1994-95 season.
"But guess what? They are the ones working the big games. Earl Strom, Jake (O'Donnell), Joey Crawford … everybody hated those guys," Spooner said. "Same with Scott. But if it's a big game, and the league wants somebody to run the game, Scott is going to be on it. Because he is a damn good referee."
The latest moment in the saga between Foster and Paul that went viral was when the 19-year veteran was ejected during the first half during his initial return to Phoenix with the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 22.
Paul got two quick technical fouls for mouthing off to Foster, and Paul screamed at Foster and had to be restrained by Stephen Curry.
"It's personal. The league knows, everybody knows, there's been a meeting," Paul said after the game. "I'm OK with a ref talking, just don't use a tech to get your point across."
Chris Paul elaborated to an extent that his and Scott Foster’s beef dates back to his time with the Clippers (2011-17), which led to a private meeting between their former coach Doc Rivers, Paul’s father and his son.
Also said he didn’t see his pregame tribute video from Suns. pic.twitter.com/BtfHs0sRDB
— DANA (@iam_DanaScott) November 23, 2023
In December, the league's commissioner Adam Silver addressed the Paul-Foster feud, which dates back to his stint with the Los Angeles Clippers from 2011 to 2017.
“You have there two veterans who are the best at what they do. Scott is one of the most respected and highest rated NBA officials, which is why he referees in our Finals games," Silver said. "Of course, Chris, his track record speaks for itself. The way you handle that, at least the way we've tried to handle that, is talk to both of them and say that the expectation is that you are going to be professional and deal privately with the two of them.
"Just say, 'Whatever the bad blood is between you two, you don’t have to be friends, but you have to both go out and do your jobs.' That's my expectation going forward."
Paul was with the Suns from November 2020 to June 2023, and led them to the 2021 finals. He was the centerpiece of the trade package to Washington last year that brought Bradley Beal to Phoenix. Paul was flipped in another trade to Golden State last June.
One of the surprising players who defended Foster is the Warriors' Draymond Green on his podcast earlier this year.
He praised Foster's pedigree for regulating games. "One of my favorite officials, which I guess is odd for most people, is Scott Foster," Green said.
"Scott, I can say a few things, and he gonna cut it off,'' Green said. "It's not like I'm judging where the line at. Like, 'Nope, this is the line, Draymond, and if you cross it, I'm tech-ing you.'"
Green, who also had a longtime beef with Paul before they became teammates, explained that Paul's nature is like his own, and used the same expletive as Spooner.
"If you've ever watched Chris compete, he's kind of an a--hole,"Green said during the Warriors media day last October. "He may say the same thing about me, and that's OK. But he's also one of the most competitive guys that I've played against over my 11 years in this league. I'm also an extremely competitive guy, and I'm not backing down from anyone. He's not backing down from anyone."
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Former NBA referee slams ex-Suns star Paul's reputation to officials
