Thursday became one of the NBA’s most chaotic news days in years as Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups were arrested by federal authorities in separate gambling-related cases. Soon after, Scott Foster, the NBA’s most polarizing referee, began trending online alongside the headlines.
Despite thousands of posts on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms claiming otherwise, authorities have not arrested or charged Foster in any of the ongoing FBI investigations. The rumor started as an apparent social-media prank, but users quickly linked his name to the broader scandal involving illegal sports betting and Mafia-backed poker rings.
“There are some fake social media posts saying he was arrested, and we’re here to debunk them,” a league spokesperson said. “He wasn’t arrested or charged as part of the investigation.”
The Spark Behind the Rumor
The confusion likely arose from Foster’s long-standing notoriety among fans and his past involvement in officiating controversies. In 2007, he was connected to referee Tim Donaghy during the NBA betting scandal, but was never accused of wrongdoing.
Foster acknowledged frequent calls with Donaghy, stating they were unrelated to gambling, and was not implicated by federal prosecutors.
That history, along with Foster’s reputation as one of the league’s most recognizable—and often criticized—referees, fueled the latest wave of false claims. One viral post read, “NBA gambling scandal: Famed ref Scott Foster facing arrest?” and attracted nearly 4 million views before platforms flagged it as misinformation.
A Perfect Storm of Speculation
On Thursday, the FBI confirmed that its joint investigation into illegal sports betting has led to more than 30 arrests, including active and former NBA personnel. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella called it “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online betting became legal.”
“The fraud is mind-boggling,” added FBI Director Kash Patel, referring to tens of millions of dollars in alleged wire fraud, insider betting, and organized crime involvement.
However, federal indictments and court filings do not mention Foster’s name. The NBA, doing its part, has urged caution in amplifying unverified claims online. “We take the integrity of our game seriously,” the league said in a statement, “but spreading misinformation undermines trust in both our officials and the process.”
The Ref Everyone Knows — and Debates
Even without the rumor, Foster remains a lightning rod within the basketball world. In a 2023 Athletic survey, more than a quarter of players voted him the “worst referee in the NBA.” He has officiated a record 12 Game 7s since 2014 — a stat that’s earned him the tongue-in-cheek nickname “The Extender” for his supposed knack for prolonging playoff series.
He also maintains a decades-long feud with Chris Paul, who once quipped that his teams “don’t win when [Foster] refs.” Despite the criticism, the league has continued to assign him to marquee games, citing his experience and adherence to officiating standards.
Lessons in the Age of Viral Misinformation
Thursday’s rumor mill serves as a cautionary tale for sports fans navigating the breakneck pace of online news. “False stories can spread faster than the truth, especially when a name like Scott Foster’s trends,” said Marina Lopez, a digital media researcher at Columbia University. “The combination of public distrust, gambling controversy, and personality politics is combustible.”
To set the record straight: Scott Foster has not faced arrest and continues serving as an active NBA referee. As of Friday, court filings, FBI statements, and the Department of Justice’s official lists of defendants do not mention his name.
The larger investigation, however, continues to unfold — and the NBA faces growing questions about how it balances legalized betting partnerships with maintaining the sport’s integrity.
