19-year NBA veteran referee Tony Brown will miss the rest of the season and playoffs as he undergoes treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Brown, who has officiated 1,109 regular season games and 35 playoff games, including his first NBA Finals in 2020, was diagnosed last month.

“Tony is a beloved member of the NBA family, and in particular, our officiating family,” said Monty McCutchen, NBA Senior Vice President, Referee Development and Training. “In addition to exemplifying what it means to be a world class referee on the court, Tony also touches so many lives off the court. The NBA officiating family and the entire NBA family stand behind Tony with thoughts and prayers as he embarks upon this courageous battle.”

“The entire NBA community stands behind Tony Brown and his family during this time. We are lifting up Tony, Tina and his family in love, thoughts and prayers and will fight alongside him throughout this courageous battle,” the NBA Referees account posted on Twitter.