By Anna Lazarus Caplan

In a shocking moment during the Western Conference Finals, veteran NBA referee Scott Foster suffered a bloody nose after coming into contact with a player's arm during a jump ball.

Foster, 58, was treating his bloody nose on the sidelines, causing a brief delay in the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, May 22. The game resumed shortly after, with Foster returning to officiate.

The unexpected moment occurred when the Thunder's Luguentz Dort and the Timberwolves' Julius Randle swiped at the ball, with Dort's hand coming down across Foster's face. Randle also accidentally kicked Foster on the play.

"I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often, as he gets whacked in the face inadvertently," ESPN's Mike Breen said during the broadcast, while offering viewers play-by-play.

Foster, who has officiated in the NBA since 1994, has frequently been the unwanted center of attention. The ref is jokingly referred to as "The Extender" due to his impact on games in which a trailing team in a series often wins games.

Foster has also faced allegations of calling games to influence sports betting. Last season, the official had a run-in with another Timberwolves player. During a game in March 2024, Rudy Gobert rubbed his fingers together in a money gesture in Foster's direction, implying that his calls were influencing the game.

Gobert was fined $100,000 for his behavior.

Tragedy Strikes Today Co-Host Sheinelle Jones Family as Husband Uche Ojeh Dies at 45 of Aggressive Brain Cancer

The Devil Wears Prada 2 Sets Release Date and You'll Need to Get Out Your Florals

The Women of Farmer Wants a Wife Season 3 Stood on Business and That's Why It's the Best Season of the Show Yet

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Read more: Entertainment, Sports, Basketball

Leave a Comment