Rick Carlisle, head coach of the Indiana Pacers, is taking a stand to come to the defense of NBA referee Scott Foster. This follows a torrent of public outcry over Foster’s officiating during Game 4 of this year’s NBA Finals. During that matchup between the Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, Foster issued an astonishing 53 total foul calls. This was comprised of two flagrant fouls and two technical fouls.
Scott Foster joined the NBA officiating staff in the 1994-95 season. During their 30 years in the league, he’s been able to develop a strong working relationship with Carlisle. Foster has been under tremendous fire, particularly for the foul calls he made in Game 4. Still, Carlisle re-assures critics that the worry is totally unfounded.
In the high-stakes loser-goes-home matchup, both teams combined to attempt an unbelievable 71 free throws. This significant number has raised eyebrows across the league, especially after Thunder coach Mark Daigneault remarked, “There were a crap ton of fouls. That’s why there were a crap ton of free throws.”
The game was particularly contentious, as many fans expressed their frustration over a missed call by Foster with just 2:23 remaining in the fourth quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander infamously shot eight free throws in that quarter alone, adding salt to the wound and sharpening focus on Foster’s showing.
Carlisle summed up his deep, abiding affection for Foster over the years, saying, “We’ve had him a shitload of times.” He praised Foster as an outstanding public servant and decried the vicious smear campaign that targeted him.
“And this ridiculous scrutiny that’s being thrown out there is terrible and unfair and unjust and stupid.” – Rick Carlisle
Foster has been dubbed “The Extender.” There’s a widespread perception that home teams losing playoff series tend to win when he’s working. Consider his reputation. This serves as the second layer of the toxic brew that is the debate of his ability to officiate.
Scott Foster shouldn’t be working Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night. This decision will be under the microscope by fans and analysts alike. ESPN His officiating will be continuously judged for the duration of the series. It will be telling how recent big controversies affect the perception of the public.
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