Over the years, the NBA has had its fair share of controversial referees. From Tim Donaghy to Marc Davis, there are a number of referees that NBA superstars dislike. However, perhaps the most notorious referee, among both players and fans alike, is the “Series Extender”, Scott Foster.
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Having started his career as an NBA referee in 1995, Foster has gained a reputation as one of the worst NBA referees in league history. In his 28-year career, the 56-year-old has officiated 1617 games. And, there were certainly many a player who was none too pleased with his officiating.
Nicknamed the “Series Extender” or just “The Extender”, Foster has been a particular nuisance in the Playoffs. And, it all comes down to his bad habit of making ridiculous calls. Calls that many assume are being made purposely to extend a series.
Both NBA fans and superstars alike loathe Scott Foster for his poor officiating in the Playoffs
It takes a lot to get a whole league to hate you. But, if one man has any experience in that regard, it’s Scott Foster. The NBA referee is disliked by fans and players across the league. All thanks to his nickname.
He is known for making extremely bad calls in-game. However, it is his officiating in the Playoffs that has made him notorious. In fact, some fans theorize that he intentionally makes such calls in order to extend a series. Hence, his nickname, the “Series Extender”.
Nevertheless, he still finds himself with a job as a referee. Much to the chagrin of the fans and players, who have not exactly been discreet with their hatred. Many, including superstars like James Harden, Paul Pierce, and Chris Paul have been critical of him. In fact, Paul has the worst record against Foster in the Playoffs with two wins to 17 losses.
James Harden: “Scott Foster, man. I never really talk about officiating or anything like that, but just rude and arrogant. I mean, you aren’t able to talk to him throughout the course of the game, and it’s like, how do you build that relationship with officials? And it’s not even that call. It’s just who he is on that floor.”
Paul Pierce: “It was hard for me to even say something to him because it was like I know that Scott is going to have a quick trigger with the technicals.”
Chris Paul: “Scott Foster at his finest. Never fails. I got a tech tonight. I’m over there with Courtney saying ‘That’s Scott. That’s Scott.’ And I get a tech. There’s history there. He’s the man. That’s who they pay to see.”
Foster was voted the worst referee in the league by several NBA superstars
In a vote consisting of 59 anonymous NBA players, The Athletic revealed that Scott Foster was voted the worst referee in the league. With a whopping 25% of the votes, these NBA superstars made clear their feelings for the 28-season veteran referee.
In all honesty, it comes as no surprise, given his reputation. And, if he continues to referee for the foreseeable future, one can bet he will continue to top the charts.
