u/Affectionate-Oil5553 — reddlx

In the 2007 Tim Donaghy gambling scandal (Donaghy pleaded guilty to betting on NBA games he officiated and sharing info with gamblers), court records showed Donaghy made 134 short phone calls to Foster between October 2006 and April 2007, many right before/after games Donaghy bet on.
Foster was interviewed by the FBI as a possible co-conspirator. The NBA's independent investigation (Pedowitz Report) and the league cleared him, concluding he was likely innocent and not involved in the betting scheme.
Critics (including some players, fans, and ex-ref commentary) still cite the volume and timing of calls as suspicious. Defenders note that referees communicate frequently for work reasons, and short calls don't prove wrongdoing. No charges were ever filed against Foster, and he has continued officiating without restrictions.

Do you have faith that Scott Foster is an ethical ref? Should he be allowed to ref the biggest NBA playoff games? (including Game 6 of the Rockets Lakers tonight)