NBA referees often get all kinds of vitriol hurled at them, both from players and fans alike. Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant made sure to give one some love this time, as longtime referee Tony Brown sorely deserves it.
The NBA official was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in May and has been getting treatment ever since. Tony Brown has officiated over a thousand NBA games, including a handful of playoff contests and even last season's NBA Finals in the bubble.
KD made sure to keep the referee in his prayers:
Sending good vibrations to the sky for our brother… https://t.co/lc3UKqGZAl
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) July 19, 2021
Former Warriors and Nets guard Shaun Livingston also extended his well-wishes as well as serving up a reminder that life is precious:
One of the most respected in the game 🙏🏽. Cherish LIFE
— Shaun Livingston (@ShaunLivingston) July 19, 2021
While Kevin Durant faced loads of adversity in the Nets' failed postseason run, it's nothing compared to the reality Tony Brown now faces. Durant and other NBA players definitely know what a blessing it is to make a living while doing something you love. Tony Brown had that same passion for being a referee of the game, serving the league for 19 years. The longtime official poured his heart out to bare his emotions on the news, which you can read here.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Tony Brown.
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