Iconic Former NBA Commissioner David Stern Passes Away, Alabama & Oregon Prevail In Weekend Bowl Games
BASKETBALL
Former NBA Commissioner David Stern passed away on January 1st after suffering a brain hemorrhage a month ago while dining at a restaurant in NY. Stern served as the commissioner from 1984-2014 and is credited with growing professional basketball into a global powerhouse. Current commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement saying, “For 22 years, I had a courtside seat to watch David in action. He was a mentor and one of my dearest friends. We spent countless hours in the office, at arenas and on planes wherever the game would take us. Like every NBA legend, David had extraordinary talents, but with him it was always about the fundamentals — preparation, attention to detail, and hard work.
“David took over the NBA in 1984 with the league at a crossroads. But over the course of 30 years as Commissioner, he ushered in the modern global NBA. He launched groundbreaking media and marketing partnerships, digital assets and social responsibility programs that have brought the game to billions of people around the world. Because of David, the NBA is a truly global brand — making him not only one of the greatest sports commissioners of all time but also one of the most influential business leaders of his generation.” David Stern was 77 years old.
In one of the anticipated weekend Bowl games, Alabama prevailed 35-16 over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. Alabama QB Mac Jones (who took over for an injured Tua Tagovailoa) threw for three touchdowns, while Jerry Jeudy ran over 200 yards, the first Alabama player to achieve that feat in a bowl game.
In the Rose Bowl, Oregon pulled out a 28-27 victory over Wisconsin thanks in part to UW’s four turnovers, three fumbles and one interception. The win marks Oregon’s third consecutive Rose Bowl victory.
