Longtime NBA referee Tony Brown dies at 55 after battle with most cancers

Muricas News  — 

Tony Brown, a longtime NBA referee, died Thursday after a battle with pancreatic most cancers, the league stated. He was 55.

“We're and have been sustained by the constant outpouring of affection and help via this journey in creating energy, acceptance and peace,” his spouse Tina Brown stated in an announcement launched by the NBA.”We ask that you just be a part of us in that spirit as we put together to have a good time Tony’s life.”

Over the course of 20 seasons, Brown officiated greater than 1,100 regular-season video games and 35 playoff video games, in accordance with the league.

His NBA Finals referee debut got here in the course of the 2019-20 season, and he additionally helped officiate the 2021 NBA All-Star Recreation in Atlanta that honored Traditionally Black Faculty and Universities.

“Tony Brown was probably the most completed referees within the NBA and an inspiration to his colleagues,” stated NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “All the NBA household mourns Tony’s passing.”

Brown was identified with pancreatic most cancers final 12 months, in accordance with Silver, who added that the referee went via many rounds of remedy.

His resilience was proven via his “dedication, willpower and fervour that made him such a extremely revered official for 20 years,” Silver famous.

NBA legends are remembering the famend referee’s contributions to the sport.

“Nice ref however larger dude!” Los Angeles Lakers’ Lebron James stated in a social media publish. “Beloved after I ran on the court docket for warmups and he could be on the sport that night time! Your smile & giggle will probably be missed tremendously right here in our sport!”

Corridor of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson additionally shared his condolences to the Brown’s household.

“Relaxation in peace to veteran NBA referee Tony Brown! Thanks for every thing you probably did for the sport. Sending prayers to your complete Brown household!” Johnson wrote on social media.

Brown is survived by his spouse and three kids. His demise comes after this 12 months’s NBA season started Tuesday.

“Our greatest thanks to our village of household and buddies, close to and much, previous and new. Your love is immeasurable,” stated Brown’s spouse, Tina. “Many, many due to our NBRA and NBA household whose generosity is unmatched.”

In 1989, Brown graduated from Clark Atlanta College, an HBCU, the place he studied finance.

Throughout his highschool years at Amos P. Godby in Tallahassee, Florida, Brown performed level guard and achieved All-State basketball honors. He made captain his senior 12 months, and led his teammates to turn into 1984 State Finalists and 1985 District Champs.

Brown’s household is asking individuals to contribute to the Tony Brown Basketball Scholarship Endowment at his alma mater to honor his reminiscence. Greater than $80,000 of the $100,000 objective had been raised as of early Friday.