Was Scott Foster arrested? Viral claims emerge after Billups and Rozier face FBI charges

A wave of misinformation spread across social media platforms this week, alleging that NBA referee Scott Foster had been arrested by the FBI in connection with a major gambling operation. The viral post, which circulated alongside a fabricated news image, falsely attributed the report to Shams Charania, a reputable ESPN correspondent known for his NBA coverage.

According to the circulating claim, FBI agents allegedly “closed in to arrest Scott Foster at 6:00 a.m. outside his Silver Springs, Maryland home,” accusing him of “manipulating game outcomes for most of his 30-year career.” The post further claimed that Foster exclaimed, “Did Chris Paul put you up to this?” during the supposed arrest.

False Arrest Claim

These claims are entirely untrue. Scott Foster does not appear on the FBI’s official list of individuals charged in connection with ongoing investigations into sports betting, rigged poker games, and money laundering schemes. Although Charania did report on the broader gambling scandal, he never published or verified any story suggesting Foster’s involvement or arrest.

The rumor gained traction due to Foster’s past association with the 2007 Tim Donaghy scandal, a case that continues to shadow discussions about NBA officiating integrity.

Background: Tim Donaghy Scandal and Foster’s Connection

In 2007, former NBA referee Tim Donaghy resigned amid an FBI investigation that revealed he had been betting on games he officiated. Donaghy ultimately pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and transmitting gambling information.

Foster, a long-serving NBA referee with over three decades in the league, came under scrutiny at the time due to 134 phone calls made between him and Donaghy. However, authorities found no evidence of misconduct, and Foster was never charged or arrested.

Speaking to USA Today in 2008, Foster reflected on the situation:

“I’ve struggled with this for 18 months. I don’t know how I feel, to be honest. The only thing I’d say is that I love being an NBA referee, and what’s happened over the last 18 months hasn’t been fair.”

In a 2009 interview with the Associated Press, he added:

“I don’t know that I’ve accomplished anything, but I do feel better that I was able to be heard. I’m still of the opinion that no matter what story’s written — good, bad, or indifferent — if you know me, you believe what I’ve said. And if you don’t, you’ll think I’m dirty no matter what.”

Continued Controversy

Despite never facing charges, Foster has remained a polarizing figure among NBA fans and players. In March 2024, Rudy Gobert made a money-sign gesture toward Foster, implying bias or corruption. The player was fined $100,000, and Foster later told The Athletic:

“I wouldn’t say it offends me, but it definitely affects me. Like, really? That’s not what we’re about. It’s become a symbol of disrespect toward officials.”

Actual Arrests in Ongoing FBI Cases

While Foster remains uninvolved, the FBI has recently apprehended two active NBA figures in unrelated criminal investigations.

• Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, was arrested in a case involving rigged illegal poker games tied to organized crime groups.

• Separately, Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat was detained on charges of sports betting and money laundering.

The FBI named 31 defendants across the two operations. Former NBA player Damon Jones was also among those indicted in the second case. Following the arrests, the NBA announced that both Billups and Rozier have been placed on immediate leave pending further review.

Final Words

The viral reports about Scott Foster’s arrest are baseless and fabricated. The veteran referee has not been detained or charged in any gambling-related case. His name does not appear in official FBI documents, and no credible outlet — including Shams Charania — has reported otherwise.

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