Longtime NBA referee Joey Crawford announced that he will retire after the 2015-16 season.
Crawford, 64, has worked in the NBA for 39 seasons and has appeared in more Playoff and Finals games than any other active referee.
Currently recovering from knee surgery, Crawford hopes to return before the Playoffs to add to his career total of 50 NBA Finals games officiated.
From the Delaware County Times:
NEWTOWN SQUARE — One of the most recognizable figures in the NBA and an enduring Philadelphia basketball legend has made his most challenging call.
Joe Crawford, the official known for his passion and his professionalism, will retire at the end of this season, his 39th in the NBA.
“I’m done,” he said.
At 64, Crawford hopes to continue working in the executive side of the NBA in some capacity involving officiating. But the famous No. 17 will no longer be seen on the floor, making tough calls, threatening technical fouls, smiling with the coaches, enjoying the fans.
