After a valiant fight with pancreatic illness, only Brown, a longtime NBA official, passed away today surrounded by his friends, family, and fellow officials. He was 55.
Beginning in 2021, the referee received a Stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He left the court for eight months but returned in late November of 21.
Tina Brown, Tony’s wife, stated, “We are and have been buoyed by the continual outpouring of love and support during this journey in growing strength, acceptance, and serenity.” As we get ready to honor Tony’s life, we ask that you do so with us. The entire village of our family and friends—near and far, old and new—deserves our deepest gratitude. Your affection is beyond measure. Many thanks to PanCan and the Lustgarten Foundation. Continue looking for treatments. Many thanks to the kind members of our NBRA and NBA families. The Emory/Bridgeway Hospice Unit also deserves a special thank you. You went above and above in your kindness and concern. We’ll always be appreciative!”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Tony Brown as “one of the NBA’s most outstanding referees and an inspiration to his colleagues.” Following an early-year diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, Tony bravely went through several rounds of treatment to come back to work these past years at the NBA Replay Center, exhibiting the commitment, tenacity, and enthusiasm that made him such a well-liked official for 20 years. The whole NBA family mourns Tony’s departure, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to their children, Bailey, Basile, Baylen, his wife, Tina, and his fellow referees.
In 20 seasons as an NBA crew official, Brown officiated 1,110 regular-season games and 35 postseason contests. During the 2019–20 season, he made his NBA Finals refereeing debut. Brown, an alumnus of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Clark Atlanta University, served on the crew that refereed the 2021 NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta, which paid tribute to HBCUs.
According to a source, veteran NBA referee Tony Brown passed away at age 55 from pancreatic cancer. They were published on Thursday.
As an NBA official for 20 seasons, Brown became one of the court’s most recognizable figures. Throughout his career, he worked 1,110 regular-season games, 35 postseason games, and the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.
In a release, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated that Tony Brown was “one of the most successful referees in the NBA and an inspiration to his colleagues.” Following an early-year diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, Tony bravely went through several rounds of treatment to return to work this past season at the NBA Replay Center, exhibiting the commitment, tenacity, and enthusiasm that made him such a well-liked official for 20 years. The whole NBA family mourns Tony’s departure, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Tina, their children Bailey, Basile, Baylen, and his fellow referees.
Previously, Brown spent three seasons in the WNBA, and four seasons each in the NBA G League, CBA, and both. He worked the 2002 WNBA Finals, the 2002 WNBA All-Star Game, and the 2001 CBA Finals.
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