Longtime NBA official Tony Brown passed away at 55 / News - Basketnews.com

Longtime NBA referee Tony Brown died Thursday at the age of 55 after battling cancer.

Credit: AP-Scanpix Credit AP-Scanpix

NBA veteran official Tony Brown passed away following a hard-fought bout with cancer.

Brown, who officiated more than 1,100 NBA games over almost two decades, died Thursday, his family announced. He was 55.

"Tony Brown was one of the most accomplished referees in the NBA and an inspiration to his colleagues," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said.

"After his pancreatic cancer diagnosis early last year, Tony fought courageously through countless rounds of treatment to return to work this past season at the NBA Replay Center, demonstrating the dedication, determination, and passion that made him such a highly respected official for 20 years. The entire NBA family mourns Tony's passing and we send our deepest condolences to his wife, Tina; their children, Bailey, Basile, and Baylen; and his fellow referees.”

Brown was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in April 2021 and recovered to the point where he was able to return to work in the NBA replay center last season. He entered hospice care in Atlanta in recent days, his family said.

"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 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."

Brown was selected to officiate a pair of NBA All-Star games, plus worked a game in the 2020 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. He also worked championship-round games in the CBA and WNBA, moreover, he was a WNBA All-Star official before moving to the NBA in 2003.

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