Scott Foster, born on August 4, 1967, in Silver Spring, Maryland, spent his childhood dreaming of becoming a basketball official. He began his career by officiating at local high school games in his hometown. His passion for refereeing grew, and he soon moved on to officiating collegiate games and Big South conferences. Foster's dedication and skills caught the attention of the NBA, and in 1994, after graduating from the University of Maryland, he earned a position as an NBA referee, donning the number 48.
Over the course of his 28-season career, Scott Foster has officiated more than 1600 regular season games and over 200 playoff games. One of the highlights of his career was refereeing the 2010 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, alongside fellow referees Danny and Joey Crawford. Foster's strict judgment during matches and tendency to call more personal fouls than the average referee have garnered him both praise and criticism from players and fans alike.
Throughout his tenure as an NBA referee, Scott Foster has found himself at the center of several controversies. His contentious relationship with players like Chris Paul and Paul Pierce has made headlines, with both players criticizing his officiating style. Despite the controversies, Foster has remained dedicated to his role as a referee and continues to uphold the integrity of the game.
In addition to his on-court responsibilities, Scott Foster has also made a positive impact off the court. He spearheaded a partnership between teams4taps and the NBA, donating tickets to TAPS families for each basketball game he officiates. This program aims to support grieving families of fallen U.S. military heroes by connecting them with their favorite professional sports teams.
Off the court, Scott Foster is a devoted father to three children, including his eldest son, Jake. Interestingly, Jake is the godson of disgraced former NBA referee Timothy Donaghy, adding another layer to Foster's connection to the world of basketball officiating.
As Scott Foster continues to make his mark on the NBA as a seasoned referee, his passion for the game and dedication to fairness remain unwavering. His story serves as a testament to the hard work and perseverance required to succeed in the fast-paced world of professional basketball officiating.