Longtime NBA referee Tony Brown has passed away at the age of 55 from pancreatic cancer, Chris Hines Yahoo Sports! reported on Thursday.
Brown served 10 seasons as a referee in the NBA, and became one of the most recognizable faces on the court. During his career, he made 1,110 regular season games and 35 playoff games, as well as the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.
“Tony Brown has been one of the most accomplished referees in the NBA and an inspiration to his teammates,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer early last year, Tony bravely struggled through countless rounds of therapy to return to work last season at the NBA Replay Center, demonstrating the dedication, determination, and passion that have made him a highly respected official for 20 years. The entire NBA family is on the death of Tony and we send our deepest condolences to his wife, Tina; their children, Billy, Basile, and Palin; and his fellow referees.”
Judgment was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer at the beginning of 2021. He took eight months to work in court, but returned in late November 21.
Brown previously worked for four seasons in the NBA and CBA and three seasons in the NBA. During those years, he worked on the 2002 WNBA Finals, the 2002 WNBA All-Star Game and 01 CBA Finals.
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