The NBA announced former commissioner David Stern passed away Wednesday afternoon. He was 77 years old.
Stern had been in the hospital for approximately three weeks due to a brain hemorrhage.
Media, players, and teams offered mourned the passing of Stern following the announcement. The Nets released the following statement:
The Brooklyn Nets organization mourns the passing of our dear friend, mentor and former leader, NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. More people today love the game of basketball than ever before and that is in large part to David’s vision. He grew the game beyond our borders, reaching across the globe, and ultimately developed hundreds of millions of fans. We are profoundly grateful for David’s dedication to the league and our organization.
We extend our deepest condolences to David’s wife Dianne, sons Andrew and Eric, and the entire Stern family. David will always be our inspiration, our changemaker, and most importantly, our champion.
The Brooklyn Nets organization mourns the passing of our dear friend, mentor and former leader, NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. We extend our deepest condolences to David’s wife Dianne, sons Andrew and Eric, and the entire Stern family. pic.twitter.com/LaspnZzMNZ
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 1, 2020
Nets guard Garrett Temple also expressed his condolences separately on Twitter:
RIP commissioner Stern. Condolences and prayers to his family 🙏🏾
— Garrett Temple (@GTemp17) January 1, 2020