Chris Paul created a firestorm when he said of referee Lauren Holtkamp, “This might not be for her.”
Paul denied he was making a point about Holtkamp’s gender. The referees union backed her. And we all moved on.
But Holtkamp can’t escape the sexism that makes he job more difficult than it needs to be.
This happened on the MSG Network telecast of tonight’s Knicks-Pacers game (hat tip: Ananth Pandian of CBS Sports):
- Mike Breen: “They’re really impressed with her.”
- Walt Frazier: “Yeah, she’s nice-looking.”
- Mike Breen: “No, no, no, no.”
Frazier – who had a legendary playing career – is woefully out of touch here. Holtkamp’s looks should have nothing to do with her work, and it’s inappropriate for him to discuss them on television.
I’m not sure this rises to a firable offense, but Frazier deserves punishment. This clearly crossed a line.
