Veteran referee Bill Kennedy leaves 76ers-Magic game in wheelchair after injury

Unexpected injury during the game

During the matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic, longtime NBA official Bill Kennedy was forced to leave the court after suffering an injury. The incident happened near the end of the first quarter while Kennedy was tracking a 76ers fast break. He began limping, moved behind the home basket, and asked for medical assistance.

Medical staff attended to him on the sideline, but Kennedy was unable to continue and was escorted from the arena in a wheelchair. The game was paused briefly while he received treatment.

What followed and Kennedy’s background

After Kennedy exited, the remainder of the game was officiated by James Williams and Michael Smith. Kennedy, 59, has been an NBA referee since 1995 and has worked more than 1,500 games in his career. That night was one of his heavier stretches of work — his seventh game in 15 days and his fourth in nine days for the month.

The 76ers went on to win in Orlando, 103–91. Fans and colleagues expressed concern and wished Kennedy a speedy recovery.