Former NBA referee Joey Crawford has voiced strong support for challenge systems across professional sports, saying they hold officials accountable. Speaking after his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Crawford praised the growing trend of allowing teams to challenge calls, noting that officials are expected to get plays right and should face consequences when they don't.

Crawford, who officiated in the NBA from 1977 to 2016, acknowledged the emotional toll of missing crucial calls. He said nights after blown calls were agonizing, with officials dreading hotel stays after games. The NBA's coach's challenge system, implemented in 2019, allows coaches to contest certain calls, while other leagues like MLB, NHL, and NFL have similar mechanisms. Crawford initially resisted the idea but now sees value in the review process.

Despite his controversial reputation during his career, Crawford maintained that officials focus on the game rather than individual players. He addressed criticism about superstar treatment, explaining that star players naturally have the ball more in crucial moments, making them more likely to be involved in disputed calls. His comments underscore the evolving relationship between technology, officiating, and accountability in modern sports.