Blue Lines Blog – This Day In American History – R.I.P. Ken Hudson – First Black Ref in the National Basketball Association

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1968, 1968-72, A Tree Stump in the Valley of Redwoods, Atlanta, Bernie Harper, Coca-Cola, First Black Referee, Harper, Jackie White, Jerry West, Joe Gushue, John Vanek, Ken Hudson, May, May Deaths, National Basketball Association, NBA, Norm Drucker, Pioneer, Referee, Trailblazer, Walt Bellamy, Wilt Chamberlain

I had the pleasure of meeting and befriending Ken Hudson twice during my professional career. It saddens me to lose a legend like this gentleman, and smile and remember knowing him, and how lucky I was to know him and speak with him. Thank you.

From USAToday Writer Roscoe Nance
Ken Hudson always thought he’d be a major league baseball player. But instead of becoming a slick-fielding second baseman, Hudson became a pioneering referee in the NBA as one of the league’s first two black game officials.
“I said then, ‘If this works out, a lot of people will get an opportunity,’ ” says Hudson, 63, who officiated in the NBA from 1968-72. “History has proved me right. That’s what makes me happy.”