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Referee Eric Lewis retires in wake of social media controversy – NBC Sports
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – MAY 4: Referee Eric Lewis #42 looks on during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors during the Western Conference Semi Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2023 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBAE via Getty Images
After working the previous four, Eric Lewis didn’t work last June’s NBA Finals, pending the outcome of an NBA investigation into him having a burner account on then Twitter (now X) where he defended himself.
Lewis has decided to retire, the league announced Wednesday. Here is the full statement from the league.
“NBA referee Eric Lewis has informed the league office that he is retiring, effective immediately. In light of his decision, the NBA’s investigation into social media activity has been closed.”
Lewis was accused of having the account — now deleted, but under the username “Blair Cuttliff” — where he anonymously defended his decisions and reputation as an official. The NBA has a rule that referees cannot comment on officiating publicly (outside of specific, authorized moments).
Lewis spent 19 seasons as an NBA official and was one of the highest-rated in the league — plus he was one of the few who let his personality show on the court.
referee Eric Lewis was enjoying the 'REF YOU SUCK' chants 😂 pic.twitter.com/O7Xln9CBRZ
Reports of his burner account surfaced during the playoffs last season, the final game he officiated was Game 1 of the Western Conference finals between the Lakers and Nuggets on May 16.
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