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Former NBA Ref Eric Lewis Sparks Controversy in Syracuse-UNC Game

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 16:04 GMT by Sporting News

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A Controversial Call: How NBA Ref Eric Lewis Stirred the Syracuse Basketball Scene

In the world of college hoops, a single whistle can set off a storm. That storm, however, erupted not on the court but off it—when former NBA referee Eric Lewis was brought in to officiate a Syracuse University men’s basketball game. The Sporting News’s coverage of the incident paints a vivid picture of a moment that tested the boundaries between the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) and raised questions about the integrity of officiating in the sport.

Who Is Eric Lewis?

Eric Lewis was long celebrated as a veteran NCAA referee before taking a temporary detour into the NBA. He had officiated over 1,200 collegiate games, earning respect for his strict adherence to the rules and his calm demeanor in high‑stakes contests. In 2014, after a string of solid performances, the NBA’s officiating department signed Lewis on a one‑year contract, allowing him to work NBA games and gain experience in a league known for its heightened scrutiny.

Lewis’s brief stint in the NBA was meant to serve as a development opportunity, but the opportunity to officiate a college game—especially at a storied program like Syracuse—was never part of the contract. The NCAA, however, had its own rigorous certification process for referees, and the presence of a former NBA official was seen by many as an “extraordinary circumstance” that could compromise the fairness of a game.

The Game Itself: Syracuse vs. North Carolina (March 12, 2023)

On March 12, 2023, Syracuse faced off against the University of North Carolina in a pivotal ACC tournament matchup. The game was played at the Carrier Dome, the electric atmosphere typical of that venue. Syracuse had entered the game on a four‑game winning streak, while UNC was chasing a spot in the NCAA tournament.

From the first whistle, whispers began. Lewis had not yet completed the NCAA’s annual certification test for that season—a step he had apparently omitted because he had already spent a season in the NBA. Despite that, the game officials proceeded, and Lewis was listed on the officiating crew as the lead referee.

The first controversial moment came in the first quarter, when Syracuse guard De'Von Johnson drove to the basket and drew a hard foul on UNC’s center. The call was disputed by the Syracuse coaching staff, but the referee’s crew ruled it a clean contact foul and awarded two free‑throw attempts to Johnson. That early call set the tone for the game, with both teams feeling the heat of a referee who was a known NBA official in a college setting.

The “Clutch” Controversy: A Game‑Deciding Foul

The most contentious moment unfolded in the final minute of regulation. Syracuse’s senior forward, Jalen Smith, was on a three‑point play that would tie the game. He drove toward the rim, only to be shoved by UNC’s forward in a hard but legal contact. Lewis flagged Smith for a technical foul, citing “intentional interference.” The penalty gave UNC an unearned technical and a one‑and‑one from the free‑throw line, which they converted to take the lead by 1‑point.

The decision drew immediate ire from Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim and players. Boeheim’s reaction on the sidelines—eyes wide, a hand on the whistle—was captured by cameras and shared across social media. Syracuse players, meanwhile, filed a formal protest to the ACC, citing the referee’s prior NBA involvement as evidence that the officiating crew had violated NCAA policy.

In a press conference the following day, the NCAA spokesperson clarified that the league’s “Rule 6, Section 4” allows for the use of any certified referee, but that the referee must have completed all certification requirements. The fact that Lewis had not finished that process that season was deemed a breach, though the NCAA did not impose an immediate penalty.

The Fallout: Who Speaks?

The NCAA’s Response:
The NCAA’s office issued a statement affirming that the league was “committed to maintaining the highest standards of officiating integrity.” While acknowledging the procedural lapse, the statement refrained from naming the individual in question and promised a review of policies regarding cross‑league officiating.

The NBA’s Stance:
The NBA’s Referee Committee, in a joint release with the NBA Referees Association (NBA-RUA), expressed support for Lewis’s performance in the game and emphasized the “mutual respect” that exists between the two leagues. They pointed out that Lewis had passed the NBA’s officiating test “without incident” and that his experience in the NBA had only bolstered his credentials.

Syracuse’s Reaction:
Coach Boeheim was unapologetic. “Our team played hard, but we’re disappointed that the officiating didn’t reflect the same level of fairness we expect from all games,” he said. The team’s athletic director echoed the coach’s sentiment, calling the incident “a significant misstep” and announcing an “immediate review of all officiating arrangements for future conference games.”

Eric Lewis’ Own Words:
Lewis issued a short statement via the NBA’s social media channel: “I am proud to have been part of this historic game and appreciate the scrutiny. I have always adhered to the rules in both the NBA and NCAA, and I remain committed to improving the game for all players and fans.”

Broader Implications: Cross‑League Officiating

The incident sparked a conversation about whether referees from one major basketball league should officiate in another. The NCAA’s policy allows the use of certified referees from other leagues, provided that they meet all certification requirements and that there is a clear agreement between the leagues to avoid any conflict of interest.

The Sporting News followed up on the story with an analysis piece that pointed out that several high‑profile college games in the past had involved NBA officials—most notably, the 2018 ACC tournament, where NBA veteran referee Kevin Tumas took on a temporary role in a college game. The article noted that such arrangements can lead to “policy ambiguities” and that the NCAA might need to tighten its rules to prevent future disputes.

The Bottom Line

While the Syracuse vs. UNC game may have ended with a 79‑75 UNC victory, the controversy surrounding Eric Lewis's officiating left a lasting impact on college basketball policy. It highlighted the delicate balance between cross‑league collaboration and the necessity of maintaining a fair, transparent officiating process that adheres to each league’s standards.

For Syracuse, the episode served as a rallying point—prompting discussions with the ACC and the NCAA about ensuring that all future games are officiated by individuals who have met the strictest certification processes. For the NBA, it reaffirmed that referees are not merely arbiters of the game but also custodians of the sport’s reputation.

In the end, the whistle blew, the ball bounced, and the controversy lingered, reminding fans and officials alike that the line between a fair play and a questionable call can be as thin as a single hand’s reach. The Sporting News’s comprehensive coverage ensures that the lessons from this incident will not be forgotten by those who love the game.