NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has addressed the ongoing beef between NBA referee Scott Foster and Chris Paul, since it flared up recently on November 22.
In Paul’s first game back at Footprint Center since being traded to Golden State, Foster sensationally ejected Paul, which lead to CP3 calling him a b*itch.
After the game, Paul explained to reporters that the beef with the Foster is personal, and involves Paul’s son.
On an appearance on SiriusXM NBA radio on Wednesday, Silver explained that he doesn’t expect the pair to be friends, but they do need to be able to do their respective jobs effectively.
“You have there two veterans who are the best at what they do,” Silver said. “Scott is one of the most respected and highest rated NBA officials, which is why he referees in our Finals games. 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, ‘Guys, 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 moving forward.”
The feud spans back decades, so it is no wonder CP3 gets so fired up when Foster is officiating.
The man’s record against Paul is wild.
Foster has called 20 of Paul’s playoff games throughout his career.
In those 20 contests, CP3 is just 3-17, including 13 straight playoff losses at one point in that time.
On November 22 when Paul was ejected, it was just his seventh ejection in his career and the first at the hands of Foster.
The Foster-Paul beef is likely to continue despite Silver’s wishes, and safe to say we are here for it.