David Stern More Than The Commissioners: The Voice Of Change

After suffering a brain hemorrhage on December 12 former commissioner of the National Basketball Association died Wednesday, at the age of 77.

On February 1, 1984 Stern appointed as the fourth commissioner of the NBA on February. In 2012, after 30 years, Stern retired and was the longest serving NBA commissioner. In February 2014, he announced his predecessor Adam Silver as his replacement.

During his tenure he stood by Los Angeles Lakers, icon Magic Johnson when Johnson announced he was HIV-positive on Nov. 7, 1991. Stern said. “Somewhere along the line, we realized that this was an opportunity to educate the world and to calm down the fear that anyone with HIV should be treated like a leper”

🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ywq7bQHBNF

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 1, 2020

Stern was also a driving force in launching the WNBA in 1997. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert posted on Twitter, “On behalf of the entire @WNBA family, our deepest sympathies to the Stern family.  Thank you to Commissioner Stern for the #WNBA and the opportunities it has provided so many of us.”

On behalf of the entire @WNBA family, our deepest sympathies to the Stern family. Thank you to Commissioner Stern for the #WNBA and the opportunities it has provided so many of us. 🏀 pic.twitter.com/4IbwXkU1aZ

— Cathy Engelbert (@CathyEngelbert) January 1, 2020

Atlanta Dream Head Coach Nicki Collen also posted on Twitter

Thank you David Stern for creating a platform for me to do what I love… Coaching the best basketball players in the world is a privilege! @WNBA @AtlantaDream @NBA

— Nicki Collen (@NickiCollen) January 2, 2020

Los Angeles Sparks Candace Parker.

Your legacy is what you stood for & what lessons you leave to those left behind. David Stern I’m so thankful for the impact you’ve had on my life and the opportunities you gave all of us in the WNBA. You leveled the playing field long before it was “the thing to do”Rest In Peace

— Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker) January 1, 2020

Dwayne Wade retired Miami Heat shooting guard.

RIP David Stern🙏🏾! Shaking your hand on June, 26, 2003 was a dream come true ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZCT7naJPcU

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 1, 2020

The Atlanta Hawks issued a official statement.

“For 30 years, the NBA was fortunate to have a transcendent leader in David Stern. His passion for the sport and brilliant vision for its growth propelled the NBA to become the popular and successful global sports brand that it remains today. David built a league with the core values of integrity, teamwork, respect and innovation that captured the hearts of millions and for that, we will be forever grateful. We extend our deepest condolences to David’s wife, Dianne, and the entire Stern family.”

“For 30 years, the NBA was fortunate to have a transcendent leader in David Stern. His passion for the sport and brilliant vision for its growth propelled the NBA to become the popular and successful global sports brand that it remains today.

— Hawks PR (@HawksPR) January 2, 2020

Stern is survived by his wife, Dianne, and their two sons, Eric and Andrew.