Chris Paul recently addressed a controversial comment made by former NBA referee Bill Spooner, who labeled Paul as one of the biggest “a-holes” he encountered in his 32-year career.
Paul’s response included a subtle nod to his ongoing public feud with prominent NBA official Scott Foster.
Spooner, in an interview with Jason Quick from The Athletic, claimed, “When I tell them that Chris Paul, in my 32 years in the league, was one of the biggest a–holes I ever dealt with, they say, ‘Not Rasheed Wallace … or da-da-da?’ Nope. Nothing like [Paul].”
Crhis Paul, now a star with the Golden State Warriors, addressed these remarks during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, indicating that many referees might share Spooner’s sentiment but implied a specific connection to Foster.
“There’s probably a lot more that feel like that,” Paul acknowledged. “I’m going to be honest with you – I had to look him up when he said it.”
Paul then hinted at Spooner’s possible close relationship with Foster, who has a notorious reputation among NBA players and fans. Foster is often jokingly referred to as “The Extender” because of his history of officiating games that extend playoff series.
“He was in the league for a long time, so you can probably guess who one of his homeboys is,” Crhis Paul remarked. “He was probably mad I didn’t put him in the last State Farm commercial, the one with the referee,” Paul joked. “I got that State Farm commercial with the referee, and he probably wanted to be in it.”
Paul’s humor and deflection highlighted his contentious history with NBA referees, particularly Foster, with whom he has had numerous high-profile clashes. Despite the tension, Paul’s comments indicate he remains unbothered and continues to focus on his game and off-court endeavors.