I'm not sure what you are trying to say. I'm not talking about or supporting lying. I'm saying an employer needs to be professional when providing a reference.

I'm not sure what you are trying to say. I'm not talking about or supporting lying. I'm saying an employer needs to be professional when providing a reference. If you cannot be professional about it and understand that context is very difficult to convey over the phone with somebody you don't know then let HR handle it and at least be upfront that you aren't going to provide a good reference.