Chris Paul Calls Out Female Ref Following Clippers’ Loss

The Clippers fell apart on Thursday night, as they were hit for five technical fouls in their 105-94 loss to the Cavaliers — with four coming in the third quarter and three coming within a few minutes of each other. Afterwards Chris Paul, who was hit one of the techs, expressed some frustration with the referees. Particularly, Lauren Holtkamp, the rookie official who gave Paul his technical. Here’s what he said, via ESPN:

“I think we have to show better composure, but at the same time some of [the technical fouls] were ridiculous,” Paul said. “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.

 

“That’s ridiculous. If that’s the case, this might not be for her.”

This going to become a Thing because Holtkamp is female, even though it seems like Paul is directing his criticism at the idea that she’s a rookie official. There’s no reason to believe that Paul has a problem with a woman officiating his games .