Referee Bill Kennedy’s Mysterious Leg Injury Sparks Concern as He Exits Court in Wheelchair

Bill Kennedy, a familiar figure to anyone who’s followed the NBA over the past quarter-century, found himself sidelined in a truly unexpected way Friday night. Known for his sharp calls and a voice that commands attention during coach’s challenges, Kennedy had to exit the game – not limping, not awkwardly shoved, but in a wheelchair, thanks to a sudden, non-contact injury to his lower leg. The exact severity remains under wraps, though whispers from 76ers coach Nick Nurse suggest the dreaded possibility of an Achilles tear – a tough break for a 59-year-old official who’s nearing an incredible milestone of nearly 1,500 regular-season games and nearly 140 playoff appearances. To say Bill is well respected would be an understatement; he’s regarded as one of the NBA’s finest, breaking barriers as the second openly gay referee in the league and earning the trust of players and coaches alike. Whatever lies ahead now, the league’s certainly holding its breath. LEARN MORE.

Bill Kennedy, one of the NBA’s most recognizable and popular referees, had to leave the court in a wheelchair Friday night after a non-contact lower leg injury.

There has been no official update on his injury or status, but 76ers coach Nick Nurse said postgame he heard rumors it could be an Achilles injury, adding, “Let’s hope it’s not that.” Kennedy pulled up while running down the court, not near anyone else, which is never a good sign.

Most fans recognize Kennedy as the best at the coach’s challenge calls on the mic.

Kennedy, 59, is in his 26th season as an NBA referee. He is approaching 1,500 NBA regular-season games officiated as well as 139 playoff games, which includes six NBA Finals games. Kennedy, the second openly gay official in the NBA, is one of the most respected and well liked referees by players and coaches around the league.