Fansided

Chris Paul explains controversial comments about female referee

By Sam Richmond

Feb 5, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) reacts after he was called for a technical foul by referee Lauren Holtkamp (7) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) reacts after he was called for a technical foul by referee Lauren Holtkamp (7) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul did not apologize for the controversial comments he made about NBA referee Lauren Holtkamp on Thursday.

While Chris Paul has received plenty of criticism for what many believe to be sexist comments about NBA referee Lauren Holtkamp made on Thursday, the Los Angeles Clippers point guard seems to believe he did nothing wrong.

More from Los Angeles Clippers

Paul addressed the matter on Friday, saying only, “Last night was about a bad call” three times before suggesting he would only answer basketball questions for the remainder of his press availability, according to CBS Sports.

While it might have been the right move for Paul to simply attempt to move on, it wouldn’t have hurt the point guard to issue an apology, if only for how comments were being interpreted

Following a controversial call by Holtkamp in the Clippers’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, Paul said of Holtkamp: “referring might not be for her.” That rubbed many the wrong way, believing Paul’s comments to be motivated by her gender.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers defended his point guard Friday, while also saying he “didn’t like” Paul’s comments.

"“I didn’t like it,” Rivers said. “I didn’t like that part of it. But I don’t think he meant it in the way I think it’s being [discussed]. I just think he was upset at the technical. I don’t think the technical was warranted either, to be honest. But that’s not a gender issue. That’s just an issue that you disagree with the tech. It probably should have been left that way. But knowing Chris, I think that’s what he meant more. I don’t think he meant that it was a gender issue at all.”"

Paul also received backing from NBAPA president Michele Roberts (H/T ESPN):

"“Any suggestion that Chris Paul would ever conduct himself in a disrespectful manner towards women is utterly ridiculous, outrageous and patently false. His personal management team, which includes several accomplished women who play a major role in virtually all of his business affairs is, alone, evidence of that fact.”"

It certainly will be interesting to see how the NBA handles this matter, especially after Roberts’ and Rivers’ support of Paul.

Paul is averaging 17.6 points, 9.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game this season for the 33-17 Clippers.

More from FanSided

Home/Los Angeles Clippers