Chris Paul and referee Scott Foster have a long-standing dispute, and on Wednesday, Chris Paul was dismissed from the Golden State Warriors’ game against the Phoenix Suns. Paul disclosed that he had a “personal” issue with Foster following the game, which involved his son, but he did not elaborate. 

Not just Paul, though, had a problem with Foster that evening. Steph Curry spoke with Foster after the game, while Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was given a technical foul for his complaints on Paul’s ejection. Curry gave his thoughts on the subject after the game. 

We were down by double digits already, I believe. “[Chris Paul’s] leadership and game management style are very much needed,” Curry remarked. “I know there’s history and everything, and I know Paul talked about it, but when the player and the referee are talking to one other, that conversation needs to kind of end there. After Scott [Foster] expelled him, I told him that.

“It seems like there are instances where players cross the line. That occurs frequently. Sometimes you have to kind of back off, but I don’t like it when both of them are participating. When I watched it, that’s the portion that confused me the most. Similar to two males having a conversation and being honest. Just let’s have some basketball.”

Having begun his career in 1994, Foster is among the referees with the longest tenure in the league. According to Basketball Reference, he has officiated 123 Warriors games in nearly 20 years, and the team has a 60-63 record in those games. However, Foster and Paul have a problem even though there isn’t one between Foster and the Warriors. 

Paul stated, “It’s personal,” on Wednesday. A personal situation occurred a few years ago. Everyone knows, even the league, and there has been a meeting and such. Well, there’s a situation with my son. I don’t mind if a referee speaks or says anything; just avoid using technology to make your point. I need to be more diligent in ensuring that I remain on the court for my teammates. That being said, that’s it.

Yes. Both they and he are aware of what it is. I met with him, my father, Doc Rivers, Bob Delaney, and other people. During my time with the Clippers. Man, it was the whole thing. It has existed for some time. I don’t say nothing to avoid paying a fine. Right now, it is what it is.”

Paul’s record in postseason games refereed by Foster is 2-17 overall, with a 13-game losing run at one point.