David Stern: Ex-NBA commissioner passes away at 77 after brain haemorrhage

Former NBA commissioner David Stern has passed away after battling brain haemorrhage for the last three weeks. Current NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement on New Year's Day to send a tribute to Stern and a consolation message for his family. David Stern, 77, had collapsed in a restaurant in Manhattan, New York on December 12.

Stern underwent emergency surgery but remained in a critical condition despite that. According to reports in the US, Stern had not been conscious since the incident and was on a breathing tube. According to the NBA's statement, Stern passed away on January 1, 2020 in Manhattan with his family beside him.

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David Stern: An NBA great 

David Stern became the fourth NBA commissioner on February 1, 1984. Until his retirement in 2014, Stern oversaw a massive rise in NBA's stocks globally. The NBA grew exponentially during his tenure and established itself as one of the premier sports leagues in the world. A former lawyer, Stern helped the league become televised in more than 200 countries and territories. The Women's National Basketball Association and the NBA Development League were also created during his tenure.

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David Stern is survived by his wife Dianne Bock Stern and his two sons Erick Stern and Andrew Stern. Stern's sudden passing away has shocked the NBA with social media flooding with messages from current and former NBA stars.

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