Should NBA Remove Scott Foster From Officiating Chris Paul’s Games?

What is sports without an iconic rivalry? Each game has those two players or two teams that hold a strong grudge against one another. These contests are intense, draw in the fans, and are even celebrated. In the NBA, there is a history that dates back to decades. Bird vs Magic, Lakers vs Celtics, Michael Jordan vs Dominique Wilkins, these are some of the most notable matchups in the league’s history. But since 2008 we have seen a unique battle, one that isn’t drawn between players or teams.

I am referring to the complex relationship between Chris Paul and Scott Foster. If CP3 had an Achilles heel, it would have to be the long-time NBA referee. A wild stat shows how Paul has had to strive tirelessly to carve a win. There was a point if Foster was the referee. Fans counted Paul’s side out no matter who the opponents were. Recently, in the game against his former franchise, the Phoenix Suns, the rivalry reignited and the roots of it all were revealed.

After Paul’s revealing admission, should the NBA avoid having Scott Foster officiate his games?

Chris Paul claims it is personal after savage ejection

The Golden State Warriors were at an overwhelming disadvantage after the Suns’ 37-16 second-quarter domination. Phoenix was getting all the foul calls that rendered the Warriors’ defense ineffective. Towards the end, Foster blew his whistle on Paul for fouling Kevin Durant. All the ‘Point God’ had to do was contain his rage for 23 seconds. However, he felt the call was unjust and argued with Foster. His frustration boiled into him being aggressive with the referee, which earned him his first technical foul. Paul wasn’t done, though.

He continued to chirp at Foster at one point, even calling him a “b***h”. Foster didn’t have a long fuse to exhaust, so he quickly hit CP3 with his second technical, resulting in an ejection.

HC Steve Kerr was beyond himself as he felt his veteran guard didn’t deserve to be ejected for the sequence. His dispute with Foster earned him a technical foul as well. The chaotic unfolding took a few minutes to cool down. Without Paul operating the offense, the Warriors’ attempt at a comeback went futile. They lost the game 115-123. The 38-year-old guard finished with 6 points and 6 assists.

After the game, Paul was subject to a desperate wave of questions surrounding his interaction with Foster. That’s when he revealed an unknown incident. Apparently, his beef with the reputed referee goes far beyond the bounds of the NBA and involves his son.

“It’s personal. We had a situation some years ago, and it’s personal. The league knows, everybody knows, and it’s been a meeting and all that. It’s a situation with my son and so, yeah. I’m OK with a ref talking, saying whatever, just don’t use a tech to get your point across. I gotta do a better job making sure I stay on the floor for my teammates. But, yeah, that’s that,” claimed Paul.

READ MORE: Stephen Curry Unveils His Conversation With Scott Foster After Chris Paul Ejection: “That’s the Part Messed With Me the Most”

It happened when Paul was still the general for the ‘Lob City’ Clippers. The five-time assist champion said he had a meeting with the NBA back when the incident occurred. Paul, who had a look of disinterest on his face, refused to go into detail, claiming it might get him fined.

The unfortunate bond Paul shares with Foster

Paul and Foster haven’t become formidable opponents overnight. This chronicle goes way back to 2008 when CP was still young and unaware of how Foster would be an instrumental figure in his NBA career. In games referred by the 56-year-old, Chris Paul has an astonishing 3-17 record. In the postseason, Foster might have given the point guard nightmares as the pattern started to take shape. At its peak, his losing streak extended to 13 games in a row. Chris Paul made a stark comment after it became 11, suggesting he can’t escape Foster.

“If I was a betting man, — 11 games in a row,” he said.

He snapped the streak in 2021 when the Suns beat the Clippers in game 2 of their playoff series. Shadowing his happiness, Paul said he “didn’t notice” the remarkable feat, but everyone in the room could read his face. That was the moment the curse broke, or maybe it was just one lucky charm Paul had with him. Might be his only one.

Foster shouldn’t referee CP3’s games anymore

The NBA must draw a line after Paul’s revelation in the post-game presser today. His “it’s personal” comment doesn’t seem to be an over-exaggeration after today’s events. The first technical can be justified for Paul’s refusal to stop arguing. But the second was uncalled for. It came out of the inner frustration Foster holds for Paul.

Their personal feud isn’t NBA-related but involves Paul’s family, as the vet claimed. Despite the meeting with all the respective members in the room, the issue clearly seems unresolved. And it isn’t that Foster is in the wrong. In fact, having them both on the court simultaneously adversely affects their role. Foster can’t hold the same patience he does for other vehement arguments.

On the other hand, Paul is quick to boil into anger when he questions Foster’s decisions. In the end, it becomes a disservice to the fans who come to watch Paul play the game. Moreover, it affects his team if something like today does happen. It isn’t a pretty sight, but it is one most of us can foresee. As soon as their eyes meet, their battle begins.

Watch This Story: World Wrestling Champion hailing from Serbia flies high during the off-season with Air Jordans promoting basketball legend Michael Jordan

For the sake of competition and limiting such incidents, the NBA needs to strongly consider not having Foster officiate Chris Paul’s games due to their external grudge for one another.