Something that happens every year with the NBA playoffs is an increase in fan complaints about officiating (this year those voices echo the growing complaints from players and coaches). That anger is often focused on a couple of specific referees, with Scott Foster at the top of the list.
Some players have problems with Foster, including Chris Paul, which has been very public about it. In an article in The Athletic about Foster, Jason Quick interviews former NBA referee Bill Spooner, who worked 32 seasons in the NBA. He defended Foster and shot CP3.
“I’m going to tell you, and I know you’re recording me, but 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 jerks I’ve ever had to deal with, they say, ‘Isn’t that Rasheed Wallace… or da-da-da?’ No. Nothing like (Paul),” Spooner said. “And they were like, ‘Oh, he seems like a nice guy.'” And I say: ‘Yes, he is a great image cultivator.’”
Two things can be true.
Foster has an ego and things can get personal on the court, leading to a quick denouement with some players. Plus, Chris Paul is ultra-competitive and can be a jerk—his teammate last season, Draymond Green, said as much before they were both on the Warriors. It’s not really surprising that CP3 and Foster clash.
What won’t change is Foster receiving big-game assignments: He remains one of the highest-rated officials in the league when reviewing games and grading referees. The most important games are called by the most qualified officials.
Chris Paul’s personality is not going to change either.