Chris Paul complains about referee Lauren Holtkamp, NBA Referees Association stands by her

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul criticized first-year referee Lauren Holtkamp on Thursday night, suggesting that the NBA “might not be for her.” The NBA Referees Association quickly came to her defense and the league is even going to review Paul’s comments.

The Clippers were blown out 105-94 against the Cavaliers in Cleveland last night in a game that included five technical fouls. Paul himself was called in the third quarter after questioning another call by Holtkamp.

“I think we have to show better composure, but at the same time some of [the technical fouls] were ridiculous,” Paul explained to ESPN. “The tech that I get right there was ridiculous. I don't care what nobody says, I don't care what she says; that's terrible. There's no way that can be a tech. We try to get the ball out fast every time down the court, and when we did that, she said, 'Uh-uh.' I said, 'Why, uh-uh?' And she gave me a tech.”

He then added, “That's ridiculous. If that's the case, this might not be for her.”

After that, the NBARA showed full support for Holtkamp, who is the third female NBA referee this season. “After review, the calls made by Ms. Holtkamp are fully justified. We deplore the unprofessional comments made by Chris Paul. #shebelongs,” the statement read.

The NBA hasn’t announced if Paul will be suspended or fined for his comments, CBS News notes. A fine seems likely, especially because of the “might not be for her” comment.

The Clippers play tonight against the Toronto Raptors.

image courtesy of INFphoto.com

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