The most unique rivalry: Chris Paul vs Scott Foster
When it comes to sports, player rivalries are very common. However, when it comes to a player referee rivalry, it becomes very interesting. Chris Paul, nicknamed CP3, is a 12- time all-star in the National Basketball Association. Being one of the most established players in the NBA and having a winning record for the majority of seasons he has played, can assume that few players have the upper hand on Chris Paul. This is technically true; however, referee Scott Foster is winning in his series against Chris Paul.
In playoff games where Foster has been the referee, Paul has the astonishing record of 3 wins to 17 losses. At a certain point, Paul was 0-13 when Foster was the referee. Teams and fans alike tend to complain about referees; however, fans of Paul have reasoning like no other.
Although Foster hasn’t spoken out publicly against Paul, he has been playing mind games with him for a long time.
“It’s personal. We had a situation some years ago, and it’s personal,” Paul in an interview after being ejected by Foster.
For example, before a big game 7 during the 2020 Disney bubble season that Paul was participating in, Foster went up to him pregame. Out of the blue he reminds Paul that he was the ref in his first playoff loss, which was a Game 7 when he was on the Hornets. Situations like this would be normal and could just be a joke, however, this was not the only instance. Foster has been playing mind games redundant with Paul for years, and it seemingly worked as he went on a 13-game losing streak.
Although this is what fans see and hear on television, more happens behind the scenes. Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas shared that after a game “Lil Chris” (Chris Paul’s son) was playing in the tunnel. Scott Foster was in a cart with other referees and rolled up trying to pass. Foster yelled towards Chris Jr and Paul had a very negative reaction. Naturally, Paul wouldn’t take this lightly.
Fast forward into 2023, this beef is still ongoing. Recently, the controversy has been accelerating and becoming more and more public. As of the Warriors’ loss to the Suns, this beef has reached its last straw. In the 2nd quarter of Paul’s return to Phoenix, Paul was called for a blocking foul. As everyone went to the line, Chris Paul could be seen mimicking Durant falling over while talking to his Foster. The argument continued, and as it was drawn on it became more and more heated. Inevitably, Foster called a technical foul on Paul. The arguments didn’t cease, and Paul was ejected. However, even after that, it still continued.
Post ejection, Paul was seen stepping towards Foster. Luckily, teammate Stephan Curry was there to pull Paul away before he did anything he would’ve regretted.
After this ejection, it ignited a flame that is struggling to distinguish. Fans are outraged, and specifically fans of Paul are calling for Foster to be inactive while Paul is playing. All of this controversy demands a response from league officials, and Adam Silver has finally spoken about the topic.
“Scott is one of the most respected, highest rated officials in the league. For Chris, his record speaks for itself.”
“Whatever the bad blood is, you don’t have to be friends, but you gotta both go out and do your jobs.”
Fans have had mixed reactions, but most are pulling toward Chris Paul’s side.
“If a ref has beef with a player, then that ref shouldn’t be one anymore.”
Although the unbelievable post-season record that Paul has in his games officiated by Foster, his performances in them haven’t been the sole reason he lost. Averaging nearly his career stats, 17 points with 4 assists, this leads to another question. Should Foster be allowed to referee while Paul is actively playing?
