Dick Bavetta Retiring after 39 Years

[Joey]

I think I speak for EVERYONE when I say - "It's about time!"

NBA President, Basketball Operations Rod Thorn announced today that longtime NBA referee Dick Bavetta will be retiring after 39 years of service.

Bavetta, who began his NBA career on Dec. 2, 1975, at Madison Square Garden in a game between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics finished with a record 2,635 consecutive regular season games officiated, having never missed an assigned game throughout his entire career. Bavetta also officiated 270 Playoff games including 27 Finals games.

"Dick's dedication and commitment to his craft has been an inspiration to all NBA officials," said Thorn. "We are grateful for his contributions to our league, and we wish him the best as he enjoys his well-earned retirement."

Bavetta worked three NBA All-Star Games (1989, 1995 and 2006) and was the first NBA referee selected to officiate the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona. Bavetta also refereed the 1997 McDonald's Championship in Paris, 1993 Mexico Challenge and 1990 Japan Games in Tokyo.

"On behalf of myself and the entire Bavetta family, I would like to thank the NBA family and the National Basketball Referee Association for allowing me the honor and the privilege of representing them for 39 wonderful years," said Bavetta.

"I am most proud of never having missed an assigned game, be it exhibition, regular season or playoffs, throughout my entire career. It really has been a great run."

Source

[Bendit]

Thank you basketball god/s.

But seriously he must have been a good referee at some point in his career....right? 39 years. Had to be.

[Joey]

There's always this...

[white men can't jump]

It's a great day for basketball.

[007]

"Never missed an assigned game"

For 39 years that's pretty fucking good.

[isaacthompson]

Violet Palmer, you're up next! How does early retirement sound?