Stern allowing NBA players to compete at the '92 Barcelona Games helped grow the game globallyNBAE/getty images
Late former NBA Commissioner DAVID STERN's "compassion, courage and leadership" helped change the public narrative on HIV/AIDS with how he handled MAGIC JOHNSON's diagnosis in '91, according to LZ Granderson of the L.A. TIMES. Warriors President & COO RICK WELTS said of Stern's embracing of Johnson after announcing his diagnosis, "He looked back at this as his proudest moment. He completely changed the dialogue on HIV/AIDS. It went from no one knowing anyone with the virus to everyone knowing at least one person that they liked and or loved who was HIV-positive. I'm not sure another person could have guided that process." Following Stern's death, it was announced that all NBA players and referees will "wear a black band on their uniforms" to honor his life. Granderson: "I understand the gesture, but forgive me for thinking it's a tad out of place. Black exists in the absence of light. When the sports world was in the dark in regards to LGBTQ inclusion, for decades, Stern was the brightest of lights" (L.A. TIMES, 1/6).
PROGRESSIVE LEADER: In Boston, Steve Bulpett wrote Stern "generally insisted the league be progressive in social matters, positioning itself as embracing of diversity and changing cultural norms and, thus, attracting younger audiences that would grow the sport." But Stern's "greatest contribution" to the league was "turning it into a global entity" (BOSTON HERALD, 1/5). Mavericks Owner MARK CUBAN said of Stern, "When you talk about CEOs and how socially conscious are they ... he was doing that long, long, long before that discussion ever came up." He added, "David had a vision. David was the first in all of professional sports to realize technology would make the world a smaller place. I didn't always agree with going to China. I gave him such a hard time. But he was right" (THEATHLETIC.com, 1/4).
WELL-RESPECTED: In N.Y., Mike Vaccaro wrote as someone who talks to people for a living, there will "always be a select few who are so engaged and smart and on-point that you wish you could interview them every day." Vaccaro: "David Stern was that subject for me" (N.Y. POST, 1/5). USA Basketball Managing Dir JERRY COLANGELO said of Stern, "He lived a very full life, a very productive life. He was as tough as they come in terms of negotiations, street-educated to some degree. Tough New York mentality and his leadership qualities were extraordinary. But behind all of that was a man who had compassion and cared about people very much" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 1/4).
HONORING HIS LEGACY: In S.F., Bruce Jenkins writes Stern's death has many around the NBA "trying to formulate a proper tribute." Jenkins: "Build All-Star Weekend around his legacy -- particularly his tireless devotion to globalization and the professional women's game." The impact of an All-Star Game tribute to Stern would "reach far beyond the active international talent." An "equally compelling spectacle, and a more direct reflection of Stern's vision, would be the people invited to the game" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 1/5).
