In a recent profile on Scott Foster by The Athletic, retired NBA referee Bill Spooner didn't hold back when discussing his experience with Chris Paul. Spooner, who spent 32 years in the league, described Paul as one of the most difficult players he had ever dealt with.

Speaking candidly, Spooner stated, "In my 32 years in the league, Chris Paul was one of the biggest a-holes I ever dealt with. People are usually surprised when I say that because he seems like such a nice guy. But trust me, he's a great image cultivator."

The tension between Paul and Foster goes back several years, dating back to an incident in April 2015. According to The Athletic, Paul tapped his car horn, preventing Foster's departure while the referee was with his 5-year-old son. Foster denies any wrongdoing, stating that he had no interaction with Paul's son and the NBA's investigation found no evidence of unprofessional behavior.

A meeting between Foster, Paul, Paul's father, Doc Rivers, and ex-NBA referee Bob Delaney took place the following spring at the Clippers' practice facility. Paul has publicly referenced this meeting, alluding to a personal connection between him and Foster. The tension resurfaced on November 22 when Foster ejected Paul from a game against the Suns, with the player stating, "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."

The revelation of Spooner's comments adds another layer to the ongoing tension between Paul and NBA referees. It highlights the challenges faced by officials in managing player emotions on the court. With Paul's reputation as a fierce competitor, it seems his interactions with referees have left a lasting impact.

As the NBA continues to address the relationship between players and referees, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the dynamics at play during intense sporting competitions.