Chris Paul criticized a rookie female referee on Thursday, drawing a strong response from the union representing NBA referees.

The Clippers were attempting to inbound quickly when Lauren Holtkamp stepped in. Paul questioned her and was slapped with the technical.

"The tech I got was ridiculous," Paul said. "That's terrible. There's no way that can be a technical. We try to get the ball out fast every time down the court. When we did that, she said, `Uh-uh.' I said, `Why uh-uh?' and she gave me a technical. That's ridiculous. If that's the case, this might not be for her."

The 34-year-old Holtkamp spent six seasons in the NBA Development League, working its championship series the last two years. 

Lee Seham, general counsel of the National Basketball Referees Association, said in a statement his group reviewed Holtkamp's calls and "deems them fully justified."

"Furthermore," he added, "the NBRA deplores the personal and unprofessional comments made by Chris Paul. She belongs."