NBA referee Dick Bavetta retires after 39-year career
When the 2014-15 NBA season tips off in October, a familiar face will be missing, as the league announced Tuesday that veteran referee Dick Bavetta is retiring.
Bavetta, 74, spent 39 years officiating in the NBA, including a record 2,635 consecutive games dating back to Dec. 2, 1975, when he ref'd a game between the Knicks and Celtics at Madison Square Garden.
"Dick's dedication and commitment to his craft has been an inspiration to all NBA officials," NBA President of Basketball Operations Rod Thorn said in a press release. "We are grateful for his contributions to our league, and we wish him the best as he enjoys his well-earned retirement."
"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," Bavetta said in the release. "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."
Bavetta, a Brooklyn native, officiated in the Eastern League, the Rucker League, FIBA, the Jersey Shore Basketball League, and New York high school games prior to beginning his NBA career.