Star referee sidelined indefinitely due to hamstring injury! Left the court in a wheelchair yesterday, expected to return before the end of the regular season.

On January 11th Beijing time, according to journalist Haynes, league sources revealed that veteran NBA referee Bill Kennedy suffered a hamstring injury during last night’s game in Orlando and will be out indefinitely. Haynes mentioned that Kennedy is likely to return before the regular season concludes. Kennedy sustained the leg injury in the Orlando Magic versus Philadelphia 76ers game yesterday and was eventually taken off the court in a wheelchair.

This incident occurred with 2 minutes and 38 seconds remaining in the first quarter. At that moment, the 76ers launched a fast break, and Kennedy quickly ran with the team to the other end of the court, suddenly limping as if injured without any contact.

During the timeout, he knelt down on the floor, and then 76ers staff, trainers, and fellow referee James Williams immediately gathered around him. Kennedy was finally pushed off the court in a wheelchair, with a towel covering his head, looking to be in severe pain.

After the game, the league officially announced that Kennedy would withdraw from officiating the remainder of the match due to his right leg injury.

At 59 years old, Kennedy has long been regarded as one of the league’s top referees, known for his clear and efficient communication with players and coaches. He also has a signature move: when announcing the results of coach challenges, he deliberately pauses at different moments to heighten the drama of the call, which has made him famous. Earlier this month, Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla joked that his late-game challenge was “really just to hear Kennedy’s announcement.”

Kennedy has officiated in the NBA for 26 seasons, working 139 playoff games and 6 NBA Finals. According to his official bio, his hidden talent is karaoke, which also hints at his natural flair for performance.