Eric Lewis was known as one of the NBA’s most controversial referees. He has been called out on several occasions for issuing questionable calls during games. Fans aren’t necessarily on good terms with and neither are most players. In retrospect, his presence on the floor has led to a lot of drama and iconic callouts from NBA players.
We all remember when Patrick Beverley famously taunted a referee while he was with the Los Angeles Lakers. The point guard was upset that LeBron James was given a foul. He borrowed a camera from a courtside photographer and showed the official that there was no contact. Yes, that official was none other than 52-year-old Eric Lewis.
Interestingly, Lewis has been serving as an official for over 20 years starting as a high school referee. He made his way into the NBA in 2005 before which he also officiated at the college level and for the United States Basketball League. Shortly before he started officiating for the NBA, he served time in the G League. He has made several appearances as an official during the regular season and playoff games. However, his lengthy stint may have officially come to an end.
Eric Lewis’ retirement leads NBA to call off investigation over suspicious social media activity
It is quite unfortunate that Eric Lewis has decided to walk away from his career as an NBA official. Retiring from a job you truly love is usually a tough decision to make. However, most NBA fans are probably elated by his departure from the league. Over the years, Lewis has been accused of issuing one-sided calls and even tampering. He has appeared in over 1,200 games and six NBA Finals series.
NBA ref Eric Lewis has been outed as having a burner account (@CuttliffBlair). Lmaooo this is a momentous day. The account will surely be deleted soon so for the archives, the entirety of the account’s replies. All involving… yep, Eric Lewis. 😂
(h/t @Mikey_Wyllin) thread 🧵⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6GTvURouOc
— Pablo Escobarner (11 natties) (@PabloEscoburner) May 25, 2023
Just before the announcement of his retirement, Eric Lewis was involved in a social media controversy. The NBA launched an investigation against an X account called CuttliffBlair, or Blair Cuttliff. Lewis was suspected of being the mastermind behind the posts that were uploaded on the platform. The posts defended Lewis and several other league officials. If he were to be found guilty, Lewis would have been subjected to discipline.
However, after Eric Lewis retired, the league surprisingly called off the investigation. The NBA does not allow referees to publicly discuss or comment on officiating. Another controversy he was involved in was when a social media post was made of Lewis’ family clothed in Boston Celtics merchandise. This sparked further suspicion of the Celtics’ unusual success during games he has officiated as well.