If you’ve followed the NBA over the past four decades, it’s been impossible not to encounter Joey Crawford. There’s been no more iconic referee. His emphatic calls are instantly recognizable, and his shouting matches with coaches are legendary. Crawford is preparing to retire, which has given even those who have had their run-ins with him over the years cause (and time) to look back at his impact on the game.
Crawford himself gave an entertaining sit-down interview to Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck, in which he reflected about all parts of his career. Particularly great was this anecdote about a time during Hubie Brown’s coaching days, when he tried to pick a fight with Crawford after a game in which he was ejected.
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.
Crawford knew his limits. He knew Hubie Brown wasn’t someone he wanted to start a fight with, and he didn’t want to embarrass himself. The fact that the two laugh about it today says a lot about the respect the league’s players and coaches ultimately have for Crawford, even if they can’t stand him in the moment.
