CNN
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Tony Brown, a longtime NBA umpire, died Thursday after a battle with pancreatic cancer, the league said. He was 55.
“We are and have been strengthened by the constant outpouring of love and support in this journey of developing strength, acceptance and peace,” said his wife, Tina Brown, in a statement released by the NBA. “We ask that you join us in this spirit as we prepare to celebrate Tony’s life.”
Over the course of 20 seasons, Brown officiated in more than 1,100 regular season games and 35 playoff games, according to the league.
His NBA Finals refereeing debut came in the 2019-20 season, and he also helped referee the 2021 NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta, which honored the Historically Black College and Universities.
“Tony Brown was one of the most accomplished umpires in the NBA and an inspiration to his peers,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “The entire NBA family mourns the passing of Tony.”
Brown was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year, according to Silver, who added the referee has been through many rounds of treatment.
His resilience is demonstrated by the “dedication, determination and passion that has made him such a well-respected official for 20 years,” Silver noted.
NBA legends remember the renowned umpire’s contributions to the game.
“Great umpire, but even better guy!” Los Angeles Lakers’ Lebron James said in a social media post. “Loved walking onto the pitch to warm up and he was in the game that night! Your smile and laughter will be greatly missed here in our sport!”
Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, too expressed his condolences to the Brown family.
“Rest in peace to veteran NBA referee Tony Brown! Thank you for everything you’ve done for the game. Sending prayers to the entire Brown family!” Johnson wrote on social media.
Brown leaves behind his wife and three children. His death comes after this year’s NBA season began on Tuesday.
“Our greatest thanks go to our village of family and friends, near and far, old and new. Their love is immeasurable,” said Brown’s wife, Tina. “Thank you so much to our NBRA and NBA family whose generosity is second to none.”
Tina Brown also thanked the Lustgarten Foundation and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, which are nonprofit organizations dedicated to research and providing resources and information to patients and their caregivers.
In 1989, Brown graduated from Clark Atlanta University, an HBCU, where he majored in finance.
During his high school years with Amos P. Godby in Tallahassee, Fla., Brown played point guard and earned All-State basketball honors. He made his senior year to captain and guided his teammates to become state finalists in 1984 and district champions in 1985.
Brown’s family is asking people to make a contribution to the Tony Brown Basketball Scholarship Endowment at his alma mater to honor his memory. More than $80,000 of the $100,000 goal had been raised early Friday.