Chris Paul’s sudden exclusion from the Warriors’ Wednesday game against the Phoenix Suns sent the NBA world into a frenzy.
The incident intensified the long-running feud between the Warriors point guard and NBA official Scott Foster, and Paul called it “personal” after Golden State’s 123-115 loss to his former team.
The next morning, Stephen A. Smith agreed that it was a personal matter between the two and called out Foster’s lack of professionalism towards Paul.
“It’s clearly a personal matter with Chris Paul. There’s no denying that,” Smith said Thursday on ESPN’s “First Take.” “And you saw it there last night. … There’s no getting around the fact that Chris Paul makes very, very valid points about the personal animosities that exist. …
“The problem with Scott Foster, in my opinion, is that Scott Foster tries to give the impression of impeccable professionalism when it comes to Chris Paul. And that’s not the case when it comes to Chris Paul. He’s not a flawless professional when it comes to Chris.” Paul. It’s personal. It is not objective, it can become subjective. And Chris Paul obviously gets on his nerves, and he’s shown it from time to time.
“And that’s why Chris Paul had to point out what he pointed out last night. And the NBA needs to do something about it. Scott Foster, no disrespect, I understand that Chris Paul is not Steph Curry or LeBron James, but I will do it.” Damn if we don’t come to him more often than Scott Foster. These officials expelling players with no regard for the paying customer who came here to watch a damn basketball game need to be checked. Scott Foster doesn’t necessarily have to be in the same place as Chris Paul if it continues.
Both Smith and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst agreed that it would be best if the league could somehow find a way to prevent Foster from officiating games in which Paul is playing.
And due to the ongoing dispute between the two, the receipts were withdrawn. In 20 of Paul’s playoff games that Foster has officiated, the likely Hall of Fame point guard has a 3-17 record. In 15 of those games, Paul’s team was the favorite.
Smith believes this isn’t a coincidence, and it’s a coincidence “too obvious” to ignore.
“Now let’s understand who we’re talking about when we talk about Chris Paul,” Smith said. “We’re talking about one of the greatest point guards in the history of basketball. You can cut it any way you want – he’s not a champion, we understand all that. Incredibly brilliant. A basketball expert. Here’s the problem.” He’s such a basketball expert that he’s better than most at pointing out the mistakes officials make. This is why, as an official, you may find a player whining, moaning and complaining – that’s not Chris Paul.
“If you’ve ever spoken to Chris Paul, and of course I have, Chris Paul will put you to the test. He doesn’t just make statements. He comes to you with questions. He’s literally interrogating you. So if you’re an official.” And there’s a hiccup in your game, he’ll expose you and spend the entire game denouncing you because he wants you to do everything right. In that regard, it can be incredibly frustrating for a guy like Scott Foster, who has been around forever and is widely and universally recognized for his abilities.
While Smith and Windhorst understand that Paul was probably constantly mouthing off Foster and questioning his decisions, they agree that it’s not Paul’s job to maintain his composure – it’s Foster’s. They also believe Foster let his ego get in the way.
Paul, who was sent off for just the seventh time in his 19-year NBA career, admitted that he will likely see Foster again soon, but acknowledged that he needs to do better for his team and do everything he can to improve to stay in the place, no. It depends on the circumstances.
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