NBA Commissioner David Stern Dies At Age 77, Players React To His Death
NBA Commissioner David Stern passed away today at the age of 77, after suffering from a brain hemorrhage.
The announcement was made on New Year's Day by the NBA via a statement on their website, saying, "NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern passed away this afternoon as a result of the brain hemorrhage he suffered approximately three weeks ago. His wife, Dianne, and their family were with him at his bedside."
The current NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement following the death:
“For 22 years, I had a courtside seat to watch David in action. He was a mentor and one of my dearest friends. We spent countless hours in the office, at arenas and on planes wherever the game would take us. Like every NBA legend, David had extraordinary talents, but with him it was always about the fundamentals – preparation, attention to detail and hard work."
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Legendary NBA Commissioner Dies At Age 77
He continued, “David took over the NBA in 1984 with the league at a crossroads. But over the course of 30 years as Commissioner, he ushered in the modern global NBA. He launched groundbreaking media and marketing partnerships, digital assets and social responsibility programs that have brought the game to billions of people around the world. Because of David, the NBA is a truly global brand – making him not only one of the greatest sports commissioners of all time but also one of the most influential business leaders of his generation."
Basketball World Reacts...
Silver ended his comments, saying, “Every member of the NBA family is the beneficiary of David’s vision, generosity and inspiration. Our deepest condolences go out to David’s wife, Dianne, their sons, Andrew and Eric, and their extended family, and we share our grief with everyone whose life was touched by him.”
Several current and former players took to social media to post messages about the death, including Khloe Kardashian's Ex Tristian Thompson, who tweeted, "RIP David Stern, it was an honor to shake your hand on draft day."
Dwayne Wade took to Twitter, saying, RIP David Stern🙏🏾! Shaking your hand on June, 26, 2003 was a dream come true."
Changed The Game Forever...
Legendary Chicago Bulls player Scottie Pippen tweeted, "Very sad day for basketball. We saw David Stern a lot in the 90s and I found him to be kind, thoughtful and almost always the smartest person in the room. He was an innovator who helped grow our sport into a global game and his impact will never be forgotten. RIP, Commissioner."
Several NBA commentators and media members who covers basketball also posted messages including Dick Vitale, who said, "So sad to just learn that David Stern an innovator and a man responsible for the growth of the @NBA has passed. David is a SOLID GOLD Hall of Famer."
R.I.P.
