Bill Kennedy
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PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 06: Referee Bill Kennedy #55 gestures during the fourth quarter of the game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Moda Center on March 06, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 128-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Late in the first quarter of Friday night’s matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, an NBA official suffered what appeared to be a leg injury.
Veteran referee Bill Kennedy, 59, who is well known for his animated and entertaining explanations during coaches’ challenges, was forced to leave the floor in a wheelchair.
Kennedy began limping while running down the court during a 76ers fast break with roughly 2½ minutes remaining in the opening quarter. He was seen hopping along the baseline as Paul George converted a layup to cut Orlando’s lead to 22-20.
Moments later, Kennedy signaled for help as the Magic called a timeout. With Kennedy unable to continue, the game was officiated by just two referees the rest of the way, as Philadelphia went on to win 103-91.
Bill Kennedy Wembanyama
GettySAN ANTONIO, TX – DECEMBER 6: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reaches out to official Bill Kennedy during game against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Frost Bank Center on December 6, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
Bill Kennedy is Ruled Out for Foreseeable Future
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Kennedy will be sidelined indefinitely, though there is optimism he could return before the end of the regular season in April.
While American sports fans are often quick to criticize referees — sometimes justifiably — Kennedy has long been a fan favorite. He is widely regarded as one of the league’s top officials, respected for his clear communication with both players and coaches.
Earlier this month, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla joked that he challenged a late-game call simply because he “really just kind of wanted to hear Billy Kennedy.”
According to his biography, Kennedy always dreamed of becoming a referee. Just last week, The Sports Network in Canada described him as a “national treasure” who delivers a “storytelling masterclass.”
Bill Kennedy Steve Kerr
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 11: Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr complains about a call made by referee Bill Kennedy during the first half of their preseason game against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on October 11, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Bill Kennedy Has Been an Official Since Age 12
An Arizona native, Kennedy began officiating at just 12 years old and spent 15 years working high school basketball and 25 years in the college ranks. He also logged five years of experience in the Continental Basketball Association.
As reported by The New York Times, Kennedy has officiated 26 NBA seasons, including 139 playoff games and six NBA Finals series. He has said his favorite career moment was his first Finals assignment, officiating the 2010 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.
Beyond the court, Kennedy has been deeply involved in charitable work. Alongside former NBA official Tommy Nuñez, he helps run the National Hispanic Basketball Classic, which raises money for inner-city youth, and he also works with the Boys & Girls Club of Phoenix.
Bill Kennedy
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 04: Referee Bill Kennedy #55 officiates between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Bill Kennedy First Gay Male NBA Referee
Kennedy’s sexual orientation has, at times, been a point of controversy in the machismo world of American professional sports. He publicly came out in 2015 after former NBA player Rajon Rondo was suspended for directing an anti-gay slur at him.
Kennedy is the first openly-gay male NBA referee in history.
Kennedy had previously been outed by disgraced former referee Tim Donaghy in 2010. But, Kennedy told ESPN that he had already informed NBA executives in 1999 that he was gay following a false accusation by a female usher at a Detroit Pistons game.
“I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man,” Kennedy told Yahoo Sports after the Rondo incident. “I am following in the footsteps of others who have self-identified in the hopes that will send a message to young men and women in sports that you must allow no one to make you feel ashamed of who you are.”
According to his bio, Kennedy enjoys Luther Vandross songs, his favorite meal is a filet mignon and a good bottle of red wine, he wants to visit Jerusalem and the Egyptian Pyramids, and he is the official karaoke king of NBA referees.