Eric Lewis, a veteran NBA referee who was reviled by some Lakers Players and fans after A notorious no contact In Boston last season, he is retiring amid a league investigation into his social media activity.
That The investigation is now closedThe NBA announced both moves in a two-sentence statement Wednesday.
“NBA referee Eric Lewis has informed the league office that he is retiring, effective immediately,” the NBA said. In light of his decision, the NBA’s investigation into his social media activity has been closed.
The NBA did not immediately respond to questions Time Regarding Lewis’ retirement and the investigation of the 19-year veteran.
In late May, the NBA opened an investigation into allegations that Lewis used a now-deleted Reuters Twitter account — under the name “blair cutliff” — to defend himself and other officials against fan criticism. NBA policy prohibits referees from publicly commenting on refereeing without permission.
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Lewis has officiated six NBA Finals games since 2019, including at least one each season, but none have been called. Denver Nuggets – Miami Heat Championship Series in June. Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed at a news conference at the time Lewis did not appear in the final Due to the ongoing investigation
This was his last game Lakers lost 132-126 to the Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on May 16.
Lewis drew the ire of Los Angeles players and fans in January when his umpiring crew was not sent out. James Lebron Even though the Lakers star was hit in the arm while shooting by Boston, he reached the free throw line at the end of the game. Jayson Tatum.
Before overtime, the Lakers then guard Patrick Beverly Lewis was given a technical foul for bringing the camera to the floor and trying to show him the foul.
After the Lakers lost in overtime, Lewis told a pool reporter that Tatum should have been fouled at the end of the game.
“There was a call,” Lewis said. At that time, during the game, we did not see any errors. “The crew lost the game.”
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Both James and Beverly reacted on Twitter when rumors about Lewis’ torch account first surfaced.
This story appeared first Los Angeles Times.