First Black NBA Referee Applauds Diversity In the NBA
For years, the NBA has remained the leader in terms of diversity amongst their whistleblowers. About 50 percent of the leagues’ referees are African-American, including one black female official, Violet Palmer. Standing from the side of the court at the Hawks vs. Heat playoff game, was where Ken Hudson was found gazing at the court with a sense of pride. Hudson is the first black referee in the history of the NBA. He broke the barrier in 1968 and now observes a league which he feels is always ahead of the game when it comes to minority involvement. Hudson describes the progressive nature of the NBA with rolling out sports. – kim smith
From the time you became the first black NBA referee, how have you seen this position evolve?
Its been amazing and the NBA has always been in the forefront as far as minority referees. Right now, you have 26 or 27 out 54 which is unheard of in sports. Now you are seeing other sports that have picked up on it and you are seeing more and more in the NFL and MLB. The NBA has always been far ahead of the curve when it comes to minorities participating at all levels.
Why do you feel the NBA is at the forefront of diversity in sports?
Progressive management. Especially in the last 20 to 25 years David Stern as commissioner was so far ahead in the way he was thinking far as the game of basketball on both a business end and a physical end. His leadership without question is the main reason why this league is so far ahead in its thinking.
How much more intense is the referees job during the NBA playoffs?
Not as much as you think…because the guys that you see now are the best in the world at what they do. Just like the players step up their intensity the referees step up their intensity.
What are some keys for young black aspiring referees to reach the NBA?
Hard work and commitment. You start off doing high school basketball. My commencement speaker when I graduated from undergraduate school was a gentleman that you may have heard of… Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. he said whatever you try to do take it as far as you can. I think everyone in this league thinks the same ways.
