David Stern, who served as the NBA’s commissioner from 1984 until 2014, has suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage, according to a statement released by the league. Stern underwent emergency surgery following the incident earlier today, with additional details made available by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Adrian Wojnarowski.
Stern collapsed at the Brasserie 8.5 Restaurant in Manhattan today and was rushed to the hospital for the emergency surgery. https://t.co/qPbSbdotFr
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 13, 2019
Prayers up to former NBA commisioner David Stern. NBA says “Stern suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage earlier today for which he underwent emergency surgery. Our thoughts and prayers are with David and his family.”
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) December 13, 2019
Troubling news. Thoughts with David Stern. pic.twitter.com/kBbRDyQkzm
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) December 13, 2019
Throughout the course of his 30-year tenure as commissioner of the NBA, Stern oversaw the NBA’s rise in popularity during which the league saw the rise of mega-stars such as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, the addition to the league of seven expansion teams as well as four NBA lockout disputes between the league and the players association. Stern retired in 2014 leading to the appointment of current Commissioner Adam Silver, with Stern advocating for modernization in the league’s guidelines in recent years.
Def Pen extends our best wishes to Commissioner Stern for his recovery.
