During Game 2 of the Suns-Thunder playoff series, Devin Booker publicly criticized a game official by name. Now, DeMarcus Cousins has added his own point by calling for changes to referee accountability standards.

Cousins called for referee accountability across the entire league. Speaking on the daily basketball show Run It Back on April 23rd, he focused on how Booker called out the game officials. 

Cousins stated, "What's wrong with accountability? Why is it taboo to call out the referees, because they put a rule in place? These referees should be held accountable at some point."

He argued that officials should face actual fines and suspensions for missed calls. He pointed out that players get fined for technical fouls all the time and made it clear that he believes in equal standards for everyone. The fact that Booker was hit with a $35,000 fine for speaking out served as proof for Cousins' argument.

The entire television discussion traces back to a game filled with questionable moments that broke a decade of silence from Booker.

The Playoff Game That Pushed Devin Booker 

The situation started during Game 2 in Oklahoma City. The Thunder bagged a 120-107 victory over the Suns. However, the turning point for the frustration came late in the 3rd quarter when Booker received a technical foul.

The guard believed the call was influenced by Thunder player Alex Caruso asking the official to blow the whistle.

After the game, Booker said, "In my 11 years, I haven’t called a ref out by name, but James Williams was terrible tonight through and through.” He added that a lack of responsibility could soon make people view the sport like the WWE. 

The league office handed Booker a standard $35,000 fine for his public criticism of the crew chief. However, the league also ruled that the technical foul was improperly assessed. 

Other figures have also spoken out, including Booker's teammate, Dillon Brooks, and even national broadcast crews have noted the double standards.

Booker started the debate, and Cousins took the opportunity to ensure the message reached a broader audience on a national stage. Should referees face the same public fines and suspensions as the players? 

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Written by

Utsav Sinha