Former NBA referee Bill Spooner has publicly expressed his negative experiences with star point guard Chris Paul, labeling him as one of the most difficult players he has encountered during his 32-year career in the league.
Bill Spooner, a veteran NBA referee with 32 years of experience, recently shared his candid thoughts about Chris Paul in a profile on Scott Foster, another referee who has had unpleasant interactions with the veteran point guard.
Spooner's comments highlight a potentially contentious relationship between Paul and the NBA's officiating crew. "I'm going to tell you, and I know you are recording me, but I get asked all the time: 'Who are some of the tough guys, some of the bad guys?'" Spooner said in the interview. "And 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)."
Spooner's assessment may come as a surprise to many, as Paul has often projected a positive and respectable image off the court. However, Spooner suggests that the star player's on-court demeanor is vastly different. "And they are like, 'Oh, he seems like such a nice guy.' And I say, 'Yeah, he's a great image cultivator,'" Spooner added.
The animosity between Paul and Foster has been simmering for some time. A notable incident occurred in 2015 when Foster, after a game, allegedly honked his car horn as Paul, who was holding his 5-year-old son's hand, obstructed the car's departure from an arena.
Foster has denied any wrongdoing but acknowledged that accusations were made against him following the incident. "I got home the next day and was told there were accusations made that I did something unprofessional," Foster explained. "The NBA did an investigation and found there was nothing found that needed to be discussed or anybody talked to. And that was the end of that."
Paul's relationship with Foster was further strained this past season. In a November 2022 game against the Phoenix Suns, Foster ejected Paul, a member of the Golden State Warriors at the time.
"It's personal," Paul said about Foster after the ejection. "We had a situation some years ago, and it's personal. The league knows, everybody knows. There's been a meeting and all that. It's just a situation with my son. I'm OK with a ref saying whatever. Just don't use a tech to get your point across."
Despite his criticism of Paul, Spooner praised the point guard's talent and skills. "He's a great player," Spooner said. "He's a Hall of Famer. But he's just not a great guy to deal with on the court."
Paul's on-court demeanor has been a topic of discussion for years. Some have criticized his tendency to argue with referees and engage in verbal spats with opposing players. Others have defended his actions, citing his competitive spirit and determination to win.
Paul's legacy as a player will likely be defined by his accomplishments on the court. However, the recent revelations about his interactions with referees may provide a new perspective on his character.
