Following a recent 111-106 loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets guard James Harden did not hesitate to rip the controversial officiating down the stretch. Harden was especially critical of referee Scott Foster but according to The Vertical’s Shams Charania, this will come back to hurt his pockets as the NBA has levied down a $25,000 fine.
Rockets star James Harden has been fined $25,000 for public comments directed toward officiating after loss to Lakers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 23, 2019
The Rockets’ narrow loss to the Lakers on Thursday night was a controversial one, with plenty of questionable calls in the final minutes. Harden wasn’t the only Rocket to be critical of Scott Foster, as he was joined by backcourt mate Chris Paul who also has a problem with his officiating.
In fact, Paul said he’s even taken his issues with Foster to the league office on previous occasions. James Harden would take it one step further still, claiming that the differences between him and Foster are personal.
Chris Paul on his relationship with referee Scott Foster: “I don’t know what else to do – I’ve met with the league with him before. I don’t know what else to do.”
James Harden: “For sure it’s personal, for sure.”
Harden says Foster shouldn’t officiate Rockets games anymore.— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) February 22, 2019
Some may find these comments critical of NBA officiating as surprising coming from Harden and the Rockets, a player and team that are heavily reliant on the free throw line. Of course, Harden is known for his uncanny ability to get to the charity stripe with his arsenal of crafty moves, but he clearly believes Foster has some sort of bias.
Foster has been a part of NBA officiating for an extended period now, first entering the league as a referee over 20 years ago back in 1994.
