Several sports notables saluted the career of NBA commissioner David Stern after he passed away Wednesday:
From NFL commissioner Roger Goodell:
“All of us at the National Football League are deeply saddened by the passing of David Stern. David was a driving force in sports for decades and helped the NBA soar to new heights around the world. I called him the dean of commissioners, not only for his longevity and his vision for the NBA, but for his willingness to offer advice when I first started as NFL commissioner. We extend our condolences and support to David’s wife, Dianne, their sons, Andrew and Eric, and our friends at the NBA.”
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From Celtics Governor Wyc Grousbeck:
“David was a towering figure whose accomplishments in building the NBA will never be forgotten. His leadership brought the game of basketball to people all over the world and helped change what the NBA could mean to people. His commitment to community service demonstrated how sports can have a positive social impact and transformed how we think of sports. He personally welcomed our Celtics ownership group into the league, and was our close friend for the past 17 years, and we will always be grateful for having known him. On behalf of the Celtics organization, we express our deepest condolences to his wife Dianne, and his sons Andrew and Eric.”
I can not put into words what the friendship of David Stern has meant to me but many others. He changed so many lives. David was a great innovator and made the game we love what it is today. This is a horrible loss. Our hearts are with Dianne & their family. RIP my friend. @NBA pic.twitter.com/mbnneqm18s
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) January 1, 2020
Statement from Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com/Q7AGlvwLdn
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) January 1, 2020
RIP Mr David Stern
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 1, 2020
The best commissioner to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/SgO0hMX3Ia
Cookie and I are devastated to hear about the passing of my longtime friend and former NBA Commissioner David Stern. A great man, husband, father, friend, businessman, and visionary, I loved and respected him.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 1, 2020
The game changed in so many ways under David Stern’s leadership and vision. He demanded the best of everyone because he gave it himself. #Respect Thank you Commissioner. RIP 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/veT9GQfrdC
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 1, 2020
RIP David. You always said you made me and you were absolutely right . You were a friend, mentor and administrator of the largest donut fund ever. You are missed. pic.twitter.com/RYACDOj9ii
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 1, 2020
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. pic.twitter.com/FzlJwnJmrK
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 1, 2020
The two most important people in the history of the game of basketball are Dr James Naismith and DAVID STERN. One man created the game and the other made it what it is today. RIP David, so many owe you so much!
— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) January 1, 2020
Prayers up for David Stern and his family!
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) January 1, 2020
Rest In Peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/iCM8e5iL9n
Sad news. We lost a legend! RIP David Stern
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) January 1, 2020
I am truly saddened to hear that David Stern has died. He helped transform a sleeping giant of a sport into a global force. Even better, he was an anti-stuffed shirt commissioner, a guy you could joke and have fun with.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) January 1, 2020
Follow Christopher Price @cpriceNFL.