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Who is Scott Foster 'The Extender'? 5 decisions that made him controversy king
Who is Scott Foster 'The Extender'? 5 decisions that made him controversy king (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Whenever Scott Foster steps on the court, it brings relief to the side that is lagging in the series. Coincidentally, the referee has been a part of all those games, where the lagging team got a lifeline.
As a result, he earned the nickname, 'The Extender.' However, apart from being a lucky charm for the lagging side, he has come under the scanner on several instances where his decisions created controversy.
Recently, Scott officiated Game 4 between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. As expected, the Oklahoma City Thunder made a comeback and saved themselves another chance by evening the series 2-2. His decisions caused uproar among fans at various points during the crucial game, the most prominent one being Alex Caruso given a clean chit despite fouling on Tyrese Haliburton.
Here are the top 5 controversial decisions given by Scott Foster, which drew angry fan reactions and also led the NBA to rescind them, at times.
Chris Paul's ejection from Golden State Warriors in 2023
Chris Paul never denied having a beef against Scott Foster, and why wouldn't he? Paul's teams were 0-13 in the playoff losses, a streak that they finally broke in 2023.
The same year, while playing against the Phoenix Suns, Chris Paul was controversially ejected from the Golden State Warriors by Scott.
The decision did not go well among the fraternity, and the rumors swirled in NBA circles that there was money acting behind the call.
Upheld controversial Aaron Gordon Foul in review in Denver Nuggets-Miami Heat 2023 Final
Scott Foster was a part of the 2023 NBA Denver Nuggets-Miami Heat final as the replay center official. Though behind the screen, he continued to cause a stir among fans with his controversial calls. In one of the disputed fouls made by Aaron Gordon, he upheld the decision and stripped Jimmy Butler of a three-pointer.
The decision sparked social media debate, where fans did not hold back their thoughts about Foster and his dubious calls.
Jaylen Brown foul, later rescinded by NBA
2023 seemed to be a year full of Scott Foster horror for the NBA fans. He made the most controversial calls that year. One such decision was later rescinded by the NBA on the grounds of an erroneous decision.
The foul in question is a technical foul given to Jaylen Brown in Game 7 between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Scott stuck to his decision despite the video showing that Brown just reacted to a push and didn't make an intentional contact.
Brown later said to reporters, 'I don't know which way I should have responded to it. But if I didn't do anything, it probably would have played on. And here comes Scott Foster, right away before even deciphering the situation, gives me a tech.'
The decision was later retracted by the NBA.
Phantom Foul on Nikola Jokic in 2023 NBA Finals Game 4
Foster seemed unnecessarily aggressive towards Nikola Jokic during Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Finals.
He called Jokic for a fifth foul. Interestingly, the contact was not at all conspicuous and could have easily been shrugged off. Scott went on to call it a technical foul, leading to a frenzy among fans.
One Reddit user ranted on his handle:
'Scott Foster legitimately is crooked… one or two pieces of coincidental evidence may be bad luck… but Foster has a whole fucking book of coincidental evidence of rigging'
The call reflected badly on Jokic's team Denver Nuggets, who had to send their star performer to the bench for a significant period.
Rudy Gobert's technical foul followed by 'Money Sign'
The peak of hate towards Scott Foster for his erroneous and inconsistent officiating was seen in 2024. In a game played in March 2024 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Foster called Rudy Gobert for a foul. Gobert could not contain his resentment and responded with a 'money sign' alluding to Foster's probable involvement in betting.
The reaction from Gobert cost him a $100,000 fine. He apologized later for the gesture and the loss it brought to the team.
Also Read:
Referee Scott Foster suffers bloody nose injuries early in Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves' Game 2
Scott Foster's inconsistent officiating has always been a pain for NBA fans. Whether he continues with his shenanigans in the coming time remains to be seen.
