Sports Beyond Measure: What Did Chris Paul's Comments Really Mean?

By Ray Boyd

Sports Beyond Measure is a weekly sports podcast that delivers a fun perspective on the latest headlines in national sports, Philadelphia professional sports and community-based sports. The series is hosted by 94 WIP's Vince Quinn, Ray Boyd and Eric "Turtle" Golden. You can download/subscribe for free on iTunes.

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Chris Paul ventured into some dangerous waters on Thursday night when he made post-game comments regarding an official. That action is one that by rule leads to a fine from the league and that held true.

On Saturday morning, the league fined Paul $25,000 for "public criticism of an official."

This would not typically be national news, but what makes the situation different is that Paul criticized one of only two female referees in the NBA, Lauren Holtkamp. Paul received a technical from Holtkamp, one of the five levied against the Clippers in their loss to the Cavaliers, and he questioned the validity of the call.

After the game he said of Holtkamp to the media, "this might not be for her."

On the latest edition of the Sports Beyond Measure podcast, Ray Boyd and Vince Quinn discussed Paul's comments following the game and his intentions behind them. Since the rant, speculation has taken place regarding whether or not Paul said what he said because Holtkamp is a female official.

Would he have questioned her place in the sport if she were a man?

LISTEN: Vince Quinn and Ray Boyd discuss Chris Paul's comments on Sports Beyond Measure

"I do think there were some misogynistic tendencies in the way he said that," Boyd said. "I don't think he would have necessarily said it about a male referee."

Paul's choice to question whether or not Holtkamp is "cut out for," the league does not on the surface seem like a claim that is often made about officials. The oddity of it is highlighted by the fact that she is a women in a male dominated profession.

Quinn took the opposing view in terms of Paul's intent when criticizing Holtkamp. "I don't think the intent was there in terms of a sexist type of thing," Quinn argued. "When it comes down to it, Chris Paul is the President of the NBA Player's Association and the Executive Director is Michelle Roberts."

Paul played a key role in Roberts landing the job and has been a strong supporter of her's. She has also come to Paul's defense since the comments and has vouched for his character when it comes to respecting women.

It is impossible to truly know what Paul intended with his comments regarding Holtkamp's performance as an NBA official. The entire incident has been a lesson in choosing your words very carefully.

Perception is everything when you live in the public eye.