‘Praying for my dear friend’: Sacramento reacts to David Stern’s brain hemorrhage
Kings fans can’t help but think of former NBA commissioner David Stern when they approach Golden 1 Center because the street is named after him. Many are thinking about him for others reasons after he suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage Thursday.
Stern, 77, was rushed into surgery after he collapsed in a Manhattan restaurant. The NBA had no immediate update on his condition Friday, but the league issued a brief statement Thursday night.
“NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage earlier today for which he underwent emergency surgery,” the league said in a news release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with David and his family.”
Kings owner Vivek Ranadive expressed his concern on Twitter.
“Praying for my dear friend, David Stern,” Ranadive wrote, punctuating his words with a purple heart emoji.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg posted a photo of himself and Stern inside Golden 1 Center. Steinberg noted that Stern played a prominent role in keeping the Kings in Sacramento through relocation talks from 2006 to 2013.
“Thoughts and prayers for @NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern, a great leader and the reason the @SacramentoKings still play in the @TheCityofSac,” Steinberg wrote.
Stern served as NBA commissioner for 30 years before he was succeeded by Adam Silver in 2014. The league’s longest-tenured commissioner helped globalize the game and oversaw the growth of the NBA, which is now televised in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages.
In 2016, to honor Stern’s legacy, the Kings changed the address of Golden 1 Center to 500 David J. Stern Walk.
“Kings fans have fought long and hard for their team and a new home,” Stern said in a news release at the time. “I’m thrilled to see that dream realized and extremely honored and humbled by the team and city’s gesture.”
Ranadive credited Stern for the NBA’s growth and its role in addressing important social issues around the world through community outreach.
“Commissioner Stern worked diligently to create a premier sports league that entertains fans and drives positive impact in communities around the globe,” Ranadive said. “We’re truly honored to show how much we appreciate his dedication to making the world a better place, and highlighting his impact on Sacramento.”
