NBA Refereeing Program Reinstates Veteran Referee Eric Lewis
The NBA has reinstated veteran referee Eric Lewis to its officiating program. Lewis will serve as an official in the NBA G League, beginning with this weekend’s NBA G League Winter Showcase.
Background of Eric Lewis
Eric Lewis has an extensive career in basketball officiating, having officiated 1,161 regular-season games. He also refereed 91 playoff games, including six in the NBA Finals. Lewis first joined the NBA officiating staff after spending three seasons in the NBA G League.
Reinstatement Details
Following his retirement in August 2023 amidst an investigation into his social media activity, Lewis has made a significant comeback. The NBA investigated his potential violations of its social media policy. As part of his reinstatement, Lewis participated fully in this investigation and agreed to a set of requirements for his return.
Key Conditions for Reinstatement
- Participation in an investigation regarding social media activities.
- Completion of stress management counseling.
- Training on responsible use of social media.
Byron Spruell, NBA President of League Operations, stated that while Lewis made a mistake, the investigation confirmed that his actions did not affect his ability to officiate fairly. The NBA is optimistic about his future contributions to the league.
Future Prospects
Eric Lewis’s return to officiating marks an important step, as the NBA has expressed confidence in his ability to serve the game with integrity. This opportunity in the NBA G League could pave the way for a potential return to officiating in the NBA itself.
