Former NBA official Eric Lewis, who stepped down in 2023 for breaching the league’s social media guidelines, is now potentially on the road back to the league after being reinstated as a G League official.
Lewis hung up his whistle after 19 seasons in the NBA in August 2023 following an investigation into possible infringements of the league’s social media rules. He has spent the last two seasons officiating NCAA men’s basketball. Lewis met various requirements, including stress management counseling and education on responsible social media usage, to regain eligibility for the officiating program. He is expected to return to the court as a referee during a G League Showcase game between the Osceola Magic and Noblesville Boom at 6 p.m. EST on Friday night at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
«I feel a rush of excitement thinking about it,» Lewis told ESPN’s Andscape. «I’m thrilled about the opportunity to regain trust, return to the work, and get back to the game. The aim has always been to come back to the NBA…
«I’m really looking forward to the (G League) game. It will be great to immerse myself in that setting again and re-engage with a significant part of my officiating journey. I can’t wait to reconnect with the normalcy and familiarity of being around the elite players in the world.»
Byron Spruell, NBA President of League Operations, stated that the league conducted a comprehensive inquiry into Lewis before establishing a mutually agreed-upon plan for his possible return to the NBA via the G League. If everything proceeds smoothly, Spruell mentioned he could be elevated to oversee some NBA regular-season matches this season and reclaim his position as a full-time NBA referee next season. Spruell also noted that the National Basketball Referee’s Association initially contacted the NBA to facilitate the process for Lewis’ comeback.
Spruell emphasized that Lewis was previously a respected referee in the NBA and that certain teams that valued his skills have inquired about his potential return.
«He made an error and he acknowledged it,» Spruell remarked regarding Lewis. «We found a route for him to return. This isn’t a punitive route; it’s a progressive one. Any official coming back from injury or similar circumstances follows this path through the G League and is readmitted there, with hopes of returning to the NBA floor. For all these reasons, we’re welcoming him back with enthusiasm.»
«However, he must put in the effort, just like he did during his time away from the NBA after retirement. Completing the training he pursued regarding social media and awareness and other areas he focused on. Additionally, ‘E’ has always maintained his fitness. I don’t believe we’ve ever had an issue with his fitness level as he has officiated NCAA games and more. But we must ensure he is prepared for his performance both on and off the court. We’re at a point where we feel confident about that.»
The NBA initiated an inquiry into Lewis in May 2023 regarding a Twitter (now X) account that replied to various posts on league officiating and advocated for Lewis and other NBA referees. The social media account in question, which has since been removed, was identified under the username «Blair Cuttliff» and handle @CuttliffBlair. Lewis fully cooperated in the investigation concerning his social media activities.
The NBA discovered that the previously mentioned social media account was tied to a relative of Lewis’ after the inquiry revealed that he was behind its postings. Lewis was not chosen to officiate the NBA Finals in 2023, having participated in the previous four seasons, and subsequently retired on August 30, 2023.
«Initially, we had some concerns regarding this burner account,» Spruell said. «As the investigation progressed, we found out that it was indeed his burner account. The discussions and posts made us wary. As we navigated through the situation, he chose to step aside. He recognized that he had made a mistake. We arrived at a mutual agreement for him to retire. However, there was still an avenue left open for a potential return if the circumstances allowed for it.
«The investigation was what it was. I can’t delve into too much detail. But we confirmed that it was his burner account; he took responsibility for the comments made and reconciled in his own mind that he misrepresented some aspects of it.»
Lewis expressed regret about his social media misstep, stating it «won’t occur again.»
«It began as a small issue that spiraled out of control,» Lewis, 54, said. «It progressed in a manner that it shouldn’t have. I don’t feel good about what happened and how far it escalated. But I sincerely apologize to my family and the league. This won’t repeat itself, and I’m eager to return to the work…
«I grasp the seriousness of the situation and how it influenced all those around me, from my family to the NBA. When discussing the NBA, it encompasses everything, from fans to players. I realize that my body of work reflected my impartiality and integrity. Unfortunately, my actions compromised that. I must earn that trust back, and I’m ready for that challenge.»
Lewis mentioned that he became interested in reinstatement after last season, receiving assistance from the NBRPA. Over his 19-year NBA career, he officiated 1,161 regular-season encounters, 91 playoff matches, and six NBA Finals. The former guard from HBCU Bethune Cookman University previously spent three seasons officiating in the G League before first joining the NBA as a referee. While he was not with the NBA, Lewis stated that «collectively» NBA referees kept in touch and supported him and his family.
Lewis revealed that he did not officiate during the 2023-24 season, but instead trained referees and served as a supervisor in the HBCU Mideastern Athletic Conference during that period. He began officiating men’s basketball in the Atlantic Coast Conference last season and will continue officiating ACC games while also working in the G League. It remains uncertain when he might receive a call-up to return to the NBA at 54, but he is eager for the chance to have a 20th season. The Virginia resident stated that he genuinely misses the excitement of working in the NBA «with the best players in the world.»
«It will be enjoyable. I believe the players (NBA players) will welcome me back, whether it’s with some banter or a smile and a nod. We all share a similar sentiment when we see one another,» Lewis commented.
