On Thursday, the NBA veteran referee Tony Brown’s passing at age 55 after a protracted battle with cancer brought some terrible news to the basketball world. LeBron James, the premier player for the Los Angeles Lakers, learned of the news and immediately sent Brown his most sincere message.
LeBron joined the NBA community in sorrow by posting his fondest memories of the official on Twitter (h/t ClutchPoint on Twitter):
“R.I.P. Tony man!! Great ref but greater dude! Loved when I ran on the court for warmups and he would be on the game that night! Your smile & laugh will be missed tremendously here in our sport!” LeBron wrote in his tweet.
“R.I.P. Tony man!! … Your smile & laugh will be missed tremendously here in our sport!”
LeBron James on the passing of former NBA referee Tony Brown https://t.co/RNqrVU8bhn pic.twitter.com/GT543TQJT2
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) October 21, 2022
Brown received a stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis in April of last year. In fact, he was able to bounce back sufficiently to rejoin the NBA’s replay centre last season and resume officiating in the league. Sadly, Brown’s condition deteriorated over the previous few days, and his family reports that he has now in hospice care.
Adam Silver, the league commissioner, conveyed his sympathies to Brown’s family in a similar manner to Lakers talisman LeBron James, stating that Brown was “the most accomplished referee in the NBA and an example to his colleagues.”
After their dad passed away, Brown’s family released a formal statement (h/t ESPN):
“We are and have been sustained by the consistent outpouring of love and support through this journey in developing strength, acceptance and peace,” Brown’s family — his wife, Tina Taylor-Brown and their children, Bailey, Basile and Baylen — said in a statement. “We ask that you join us in that spirit as we prepare to celebrate Tony’s life. Our biggest thank you to our village of family and friends, near and far, old and new. Your love is immeasurable.”
We send our condolences and sympathies to Tony Brown’s family and friends. Legend, rest in peace.
NBA official Tony Brown passed away at the age of 55, and LeBron James of the Lakers sent a poignant statement in response.
