Former NBA referee Norm Drucker died on friday at the age of 94.
Drucker worked NBA games from 1953-69, then moved to the ABA from 1969-76, also serving as the league’s supervisor of officials for five years. He then returned to the NBA after the merger to spend one more season on the court before becoming the NBA’s supervisor of officials until 1981.
Drucker is known for a famous call he made in 1962 when he ejected Philadelphia Warrior’s center Wilt Chamberlin, the only time “The Stilt” has been tossed from a game in his Hall of Fame career.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the passing of Drucker:
“His even-handed approach and commitment to fairness made him a frequent choice to preside over some of the biggest games in NBA history,” Silver said.
Added former NBA Commissioner David Stern:
“From his time as one of our most trusted and respected game referees to his tenure as our supervisor of officials, Norm Drucker’s passion and commitment to the integrity of our game was extraordinary, as was his dedication to all the referees who followed in his path,” said Stern. “The NBA has lost a great friend whose impact on the league is felt with each game. Our thoughts go out to Norm’s family and friends.”
