Scott Foster ejected Chris Paul from the Golden State Warriors game against the Phoenix Suns on November 22. Since then, a debate regarding the professionalism of both parties has been rife among NBA fans. Paul has made it clear there’s a personal issue between the two parties and that the NBA is aware of that issue.
During a recent appearance on Sirius XM NBA Radio, NBA commissioner Adam Silver shared his thoughts on the incident. Silver noted how Paul and Foster are well-respected veterans around the league and need to focus on the job at hand, rather than letting personal differences get in the way.
“Two veterans who are the best at what they do,” Silver said. “Scott is one of the highest-rated NBA officials, which is why he referees our finals games. Of course, Chris his track record speaks for itself. The way you handle that is the way we’ve tried to handle that, by talking to both of them and saying the expectation is that you’re going to be professional…Whatever the bad blood is between you two, you don’t have to be friends, but you have to go out and do your jobs. That’s my expectation.”
Paul, 38, is coming toward the end of his career in the NBA. It’s unlikely that he wants to be getting ejected from games. Instead, he will want to remain on the court and help his teammates climb the Western Conference.
“[Chris Paul and NBA Referee Scott Foster] don’t have to be friends but you both have to go out and do your jobs”.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver explains to @TermineRadio & @JumpShot8 his expectations with Paul and Foster moving forward
Full Interview: https://t.co/B3xtNlJthk pic.twitter.com/NdU9iYMUb3
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) December 6, 2023
Warriors fans will surely be hoping that the next time Foster is officiating one of their games, both he and Paul can remain professional so that Golden State has a full-strength roster on the court.