CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 07: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors argues a call with referee Eric Lewis #42 against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center on November 07, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

NBA referee Eric Lewis has informed the NBA of his immediate retirement amid the leagues investigation into his burner account.

Lewis, 52, was under investigation by the league following the reveal of his alleged burner account which revealed different tweets commenting on NBA officiating. Under NBA rules, this is a major violation of leagues rules, and was pulled from the NBA Finals officiating team as they investigated the matter. Following the investigation’s conclusion. Lewis revealed to the NBA that he is retiring effective immediately.

Lewis was a 19 year veteran for the league who officiated over 1200 games in the regular season and playoffs. This controversy is a muddy end to his career, though it should be noted that its unclear if the accounts actually belonged to Lewis.

The NBA’s officiating has always been a hot button issue, one which was pushed into the public eye following the arrest of former NBA referee Tim Donaghy, who was exposed for betting on NBA games, including ones he officiated.

Though Lewis is leaving the league, the relationship between the league and officials will take another hit, as fans and players wonder what consequences the referees get for rule violations.