(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Joey Crawford, who has officiated more NBA Finals games than any active referee, will retire at the end of this season, according to a published report.
"I'm done," the 64-year-old Crawford told the Delaware County (Pennsylvania) Daily Times. "It just comes to the point where you say, 'I don't want to make a fool out of myself.'"
In his 39th season as an NBA referee, Crawford has not yet worked a game this season as he recovers from knee surgery. He is hoping to return in March and work through the playoffs.
According to the NBA Referees Media Guide, Crawford has officiated 2,556 regular season games, making him one of just six referees to work at least 2,000 games.
Crawford also has officiated 344 playoff games, including 50 finals. He was one of 12 referees to work last year's NBA Finals, an assignment based on merit following evaluation by the league.
Crawford, a Philadelphia native, said he wanted to end his career on a high note.
"I don't want to be reffing just for the sake of reffing."
Crawford is known for his no-nonsense approach and stubborn personality, which has won the respect of players and coaches but has occasionally gotten him into trouble. Late in the 2006-07 season, he ejected San Antonio Spurs' forward Tim Duncan for laughing while on the bench.
The NBA suspended Crawford for the rest of the regular season and the postseason. Commissioner David Stern said Crawford "failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management."
That was the only year since 1985 that Crawford has not worked the NBA Finals.
Crawford's brother is veteran Major League Baseball umpire Jerry Crawford. His father is retired baseball umpire Shag Crawford.
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