Scott Foster, a veteran NBA referee with over three decades of experience, has recently found himself at the center of renewed scrutiny due to allegations of involvement in illegal gambling activities. While there is no official confirmation of his arrest, the ongoing investigations have reignited discussions about his past associations and the integrity of his officiating career.
Who Is Scott Foster?
Born in 1967, Scott Foster began his NBA officiating career in 1994. Over the years, he has officiated more than 1,700 regular-season games and over 240 playoff games, including multiple Game 7s, earning him the nickname “The Extender” for his frequent assignments in high-stakes matchups. His commanding presence and experience have made him a prominent figure in the league.
Allegations and Past Controversies
Foster’s name resurfaced in the spotlight due to his past association with former NBA referee Tim Donaghy, who was involved in a match-fixing scandal in 2007. Court records revealed that Donaghy made 134 phone calls to Foster between October 2006 and April 2007, a period during which Donaghy admitted to betting on games and passing on game information to gamblers. However, investigations concluded that Foster was likely innocent, attributing the calls to routine communications among referees.
In March 2024, Minnesota Timberwolves’ center Rudy Gobert was fined $100,000 for making a money gesture towards Foster during a game, implying that Foster’s officiating was influenced by gambling interests. The NBA did not find sufficient evidence to support these claims, but the incident added to the ongoing scrutiny of Foster’s career.
Current Investigations
As of October 2025, Scott Foster has not been charged or arrested in connection with any illegal gambling activities. The FBI’s ongoing investigation into illegal sports gambling and match-fixing has led to the arrest of several NBA figures, including players and coaches, but Foster’s name has not been officially linked to these cases. Reports suggesting his involvement appear to be based on past associations rather than current evidence.
Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2023, Scott Foster’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million. His primary source of income is his salary as an NBA referee, which is approximately $550,000 annually. This figure places him among the higher-earning officials in the league, reflecting his extensive experience and high-profile assignments.
Conclusion
While Scott Foster’s career has been marked by controversy and allegations, there is currently no evidence to suggest that he has been involved in any illegal gambling activities. The ongoing investigations into the NBA’s gambling practices have brought renewed attention to past incidents, but as of now, Foster remains an active and uncharged official in the league.
