NBA fans have sparked concern for a referee who was forced to leave midway through a game on Friday night, in a wheelchair, after suffering a leg injury.
The incident occurred with two minutes and 38 seconds left of the first quarter during the Orlando Magic’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Referee Bill Kennedy – who has previously gone viral for his challenge verdicts – ran down the floor during a fast-break but, soon after, was seen limping on the court.
It appeared that Kennedy suffered the non-contact injury during the play and, moments later, was seen falling down to his knees during a timeout.
Kennedy, 59, was then tended to by 76ers medical staff and trainers before swiftly being helped into a wheelchair.
Footage from the night showed an emotional Kennedy – with a towel draped over his head – wiping his eyes as he left the court and headed to the locker room.
NBA referee Bill Kennedy left Friday’s game in a wheelchair after suffering a non-contact injury
The 59-year-old appeared distraught as he was wheeled into the locker room
The veteran official was later ruled out for the remainder of the game with a right leg injury.
Shortly after the injury, fans rushed to social media to send him well wishes.
On X, one fan said: ‘Hope he’s okay. Injuries like that are tough to see — hope he recovers soon and gets back on the court. Always makes you realize how quick things can change’.
‘Bill Kennedy is a national treasure and must be protected at all cost!,’ another wrote.
One added: ‘Looked like he pulled a hammy to me live. Hope it isn’t anything more serious than that’.
‘Even the refs are suffering from this calf injuries man,’ another said, referencing the alarming number of injuries that have been suffered in the NBA this season.
As per Kennedy’s NBRA Bio, the 59-year-old has officiated 1,420 regular-season games across 25 seasons in the NBA.
He also been on duty for 139 playoff games, including six NBA Finals games – making him one of the longest-serving officials in the league.
Fans quickly rushed to social media to share positive messages for the veteran official
In 2015, Kennedy became the second openly gay referee in NBA history
Kennedy is, arguably, best known for his lively challenge verdicts, where he tends to add a bit of personality rarely seen from an NBA referee.
In 2015, Kennedy became the second openly gay referee in NBA history.
He said at the time: ‘I am proud to be an NBA referee, and I am proud to be a gay man.
‘I am following in the footsteps of others who have self-identified in the hopes that will send a message to young men and women in sports that you must allow no one to make you feel ashamed of who you are’.
