I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of a very dear friend & colleague, Tommy Nunez, Sr. Tommy was a legendary NBA referee who was the league’s 1st Hispanic NBA Referee. He was always kind, genuine, gracious, clever, comedic and especially humble above all.
He organized the Tommy Nuñez National Hispanic Basketball Classic, an annual tournament in Arizona that brought Latino players and referees together and raised money for youth scholarships.
Tommy, was a great speaker. He represented his Mexican-American culture to all groups including our nation’s indigenous population. He authored his own book which demonstrated that despite adversity and challenges he faced throughout his young life, he found pathways to overcome his obstacles that led to his success.
Later in my officiating career Tommy had me accompany him to perform officiating clinics to the FIBA’s Euroleague’s staff of officials under the guidance of their Supervisor, Miguelo Betancor & the support of their FIBA Europe Secty General, Nar Zanolin.
I will miss my friend deeply. He brought joy, smiles, laughs and officiating guidance to me and others. In my heart and mind, Tommy Nunez is an NBA Hall of Fame individual especially n being the first Hispanic to referee our greatest players in the world and did this feat for 30 years. RIP Tommy – love you much. RN
https://www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/thomas-nunez
I am furter saddened to learn that longtime NBA and ABA referee Jack Madden passed away at the age of 90. A highly respected and legendary figure in basketball officiating, Madden was known for his commanding presence on the court and officiated numerous All-Star Games and NBA Finals series during his career. Though I only worked with Jack a couple of times early in my career as he was in another group, his manner was consistent, commanding, and noticeably highly respected by players and coaches alike.
Please learn more about Jack below: