Joey Crawford has been running up and down NBA courts for the past four decades. As he prepares to retire, many coaches, players, and NBA affiliates have their own anecdotes about run-ins with the iconic referee. Known for his energetic calls, Crawford is no stranger to good, chest-thumping, shouting matches with coaches. He recently sat down with the Bleacher Report to reflect on an illustrious career. In one entertaining story, he recalls a game where Hubie Brown was ejected and tried to pick a fight with him following the contest.
Hubie Brown one night. We were in Cleveland. And I throw him on the way to the locker room. He was annihilating me. I said, “Hubie, stay in the locker room, you’re done! You’re done! Stay in there.” We had a guy who used to take care of our locker room. And the poor guy, he knocks on the door. He said, “Hubie’s out here; he wants to fight you.” And I went, “I’m not coming out!” Because he could have kicked my ass. Hubie and I laugh about that to this day when we see one another.
While feisty, Crawford knew his limits. He also knew he didn’t want to press his luck with Hubie Brown. It would surely end in embarrassment. A story the two laugh at when they see one another these days is a testament to the admiration and respect that the NBA’s players and coaches have for the referee.