NBA Referee Bill Kennedy’s Shocking Exit on Wheelchair Sparks Mystery Injury Concerns

Bill Kennedy, a staple on the NBA hardwood for decades, faces an unexpected pause in his storied officiating career. During the recent clash between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, Kennedy suffered a hamstring strain that has benched him indefinitely. It’s a tough break for a referee known not only for his sharp eye but also his distinctive flair during replay reviews. The injury—non-contact and sudden—saw Kennedy pulled from the court in a wheelchair, underscoring the severity of the setback. Although the league remains tight-lipped on the full details, there’s a glimmer of hope that he might lace up again before the regular season wraps up. For those invested in the game’s rhythm and the personalities who keep it flowing, Kennedy’s absence will surely be felt. LEARN MORE

Bill Kennedy won’t be officiating any NBA games for a while.

The veteran referee has been sidelined indefinitely after suffering a hamstring strain in Friday’s game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, according to Prime Video’s Chris Haynes. There is reportedly hope Kennedy can return before the end of the regular season.

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Kennedy sustained the non-contact injury while running down the court with the Sixers in transition, pulling up lame and grabbing his right leg. He was eventually taken off the court in a wheelchair, in clear distress.

The NBA later announced Kennedy had sustained a right leg injury, but didn’t reveal any more information. James Williams and Michael Smith continued to officiate the game, which the Sixers won 103-91.

An NBA official going back to the 1990s, the 59-year-old Kennedy is one of the more well-known refs in the league, particularly for his colorful replay review explanations. Sixers-Magic was his 24th game of the season.

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