2B Umpire CB Bucknor ejected Indians pitcher Matt Albers for a repeat visit argument of a safe call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Indians-Rays game. With none on and none out, Rays batter Yunel Escobar hit a 3-2 curveball from Albers to center fielder Michael Bourn for a hit, Escobar attempting to reach second base as Bourn threw to second baseman Jason Kipnis. Replays indicate Kipnis' glove appeared to tag Escobar's foot prior to reaching second base; however, since Indians Manager Terry Francona argued the call with Bucknor immediately following the play and Albers was ejected arguing the same play three outs later, this constitutes a repeat visit ejection under UEFL Rule 6-2-5-b, also known as the DiMuro Rule, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Rays were leading, 3-0. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 6-0.
This is CB Bucknor (54)'s first ejection of 2012.
CB Bucknor now has 2 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 2).
Crew Chief Dale Scott now has 1 point in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Irrecusable = 1).
^Though this ejection is absent from the official box score, Rule 7-2 allows UEFL to correct obvious errors.
UEFL Standings Update
This is the 1st ejection of the 2013 regular season.
This is the 1st player ejection of 2013.
This is the Indians' 1st ejection of 2013, 1st in the AL Central (CLE 1; CWS, DET, KC, MIN 0)
This is Matt Albers' first career ejection.
This is CB Bucknor's first ejection since August 29, 2012 (Bryce Harper; QOC = Correct).
Wrap: Cleveland Indians at Tampa Bay Rays, 4/6/13
Video: Albers ejected arguing Bucknor's safe call at second in the top of the sixth frame
Saturday, April 6, 2013
2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tourney: Final Four Referees
The NCAA DI Committee selected the following 10 officials for the 2013 Final Four, including three rookies:
» John Cahill (Albany, NY) [11th Final Four] — Big East and SEC Conferences
» Mike Eades (Princeton, WV) [First Final Four] — ACC and Big Ten Conferences
» Tony Greene (Atlanta, GA) [Seventh Final Four] — SEC and Big East Conferences
» Karl Hess (Forrest, VA) [Sixth Final Four] — ACC and Big East Conferences
» John Higgins (Omaha, NE) [Fourth Final Four] — Big 12 and Missouri Valley Conferences
» Les Jones (Chesapeake, VA) [Fifth Final Four] — ACC and Big East Conferences
» Randy McCall (Highland Ranch, CO) [Fourth Final Four] — Mountain West and Pac-12 Conferences
» Doug Sirmons (Virginia Beach, VA) [First Final Four] — Big 12 and ACC Conferences
» Mark Whitehead (Denham Springs, LA) [Fourth Final Four] — Big 12 and Missouri Valley Conferences
» Terry Wymer (North Baltimore, OH) [First Final Four] — Big Ten and MAC Conferences
In the wake of Pac-12 Coordinator Ed Rush's controversial remarks and resignation, no official primarily associated with the Pac-12 was selected to work the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four.
» John Cahill (Albany, NY) [11th Final Four] — Big East and SEC Conferences
» Mike Eades (Princeton, WV) [First Final Four] — ACC and Big Ten Conferences
» Tony Greene (Atlanta, GA) [Seventh Final Four] — SEC and Big East Conferences
» Karl Hess (Forrest, VA) [Sixth Final Four] — ACC and Big East Conferences
» John Higgins (Omaha, NE) [Fourth Final Four] — Big 12 and Missouri Valley Conferences
» Les Jones (Chesapeake, VA) [Fifth Final Four] — ACC and Big East Conferences
» Randy McCall (Highland Ranch, CO) [Fourth Final Four] — Mountain West and Pac-12 Conferences
» Doug Sirmons (Virginia Beach, VA) [First Final Four] — Big 12 and ACC Conferences
» Mark Whitehead (Denham Springs, LA) [Fourth Final Four] — Big 12 and Missouri Valley Conferences
» Terry Wymer (North Baltimore, OH) [First Final Four] — Big Ten and MAC Conferences
In the wake of Pac-12 Coordinator Ed Rush's controversial remarks and resignation, no official primarily associated with the Pac-12 was selected to work the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Lithuanian 18U Player Throws Stick at Official
Lithuanian forward Danielius Nomanovas may have just lost his assistant captain's status after throwing a stick at linesman Toivo Tilku of Estonia immediately following Great Britain's victory over Lithuania during the Ice Hockey U18 World Championship (Division II, Group A). As the official dropped to the ice clutching his shoulder, British forward Lewis Hook cut short his celebration and skated to confront Nomanovas before Tilku recovered and dashed in to break up the minor fray. Takizawa Shinichi of Japan was the referee while Emil Wernstrom (Sweden) served as second linesman.
After a slashing penalty at 59:20, GB had scored a shorthanded goal at 59:28 to take a decisive 3-2 lead.
Wrap: Lithuania vs. Great Britain (IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship, Estonia [DII-A]), 4/3/13
Video: Nomanovas loses his temper and manifests tantrum by inexcusably hurling his stick at the referee
After a slashing penalty at 59:20, GB had scored a shorthanded goal at 59:28 to take a decisive 3-2 lead.
Wrap: Lithuania vs. Great Britain (IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship, Estonia [DII-A]), 4/3/13
Video: Nomanovas loses his temper and manifests tantrum by inexcusably hurling his stick at the referee
Blue Jays' Bautista Defiant in Wake of Umpire-Gate
Jose Bautista reacted to umpire Jeff Nelson's strike three call during the Toronto Blue Jays' opening series vs. the Cleveland Indians by turning and launching a few choice words as he headed back to the home dugout. After hitting a first-inning single off Indians pitcher Justin Masterson,
Bautista walked in the third before taking a called third strike in the fifth. Replays indicate all six callable pitches during the fifth inning at-bat were correctly officiated.
Against reliever Vinnie Pestano in the eighth, Bautista against struck out, this time swinging at three pitches while taking three for called balls.
When asked about his explosive attitude displayed during the Jays' opener, Bautista was unapologetic: "Sometimes I have trouble more than other players dealing with my production being affected by somebody else's mediocrity... It's just the way I am as a person. It's a tougher pill to swallow for me sometimes."
Again, Nelson's call was correct and Bautista indeed struck out on a called strike located within the zone.
Though Bautista added that when he conducts his own brand of instant replay review of disputed plate calls, he finds the umpire was wrong upwards of 70% of the time, umpire QOC for Bautista ejections dating back to 2008 is 50%, which includes Bautista's most recent ejection, courtesy of Bill Welke in 2011, two called strikes located within the strike zone.
Manager John Gibbons says he has heard "from people in the organization" about Bautista's aggressive behavior toward umpires, though Bautista's attitude is not yet "an issue" and instead is a matter of intensity. At the same time, Gibbons unilaterally condemned Bautista's outbursts: "If you explode on them...Basically, it's like showing them up...Nobody likes to be shown up in the game. Nobody likes to be jumped on."
During Spring Training, Gibbons went on record saying he planned to chat with Bautista about his behavior toward umpires, saying that "whining gets old."
When asked about his fiery behavior, Bautista declared: "It's normal...I don't think I make anybody look bad."
News: Blue Jays' Jose Bautista defends his pointed reactions to umpires' calls (National Post)
 |
| Bautista stares in disbelief after Nelson calls 'strike three.' |
Against reliever Vinnie Pestano in the eighth, Bautista against struck out, this time swinging at three pitches while taking three for called balls.
When asked about his explosive attitude displayed during the Jays' opener, Bautista was unapologetic: "Sometimes I have trouble more than other players dealing with my production being affected by somebody else's mediocrity... It's just the way I am as a person. It's a tougher pill to swallow for me sometimes."
Again, Nelson's call was correct and Bautista indeed struck out on a called strike located within the zone.
 |
| Bautista's called third strike was located within the zone. |
Manager John Gibbons says he has heard "from people in the organization" about Bautista's aggressive behavior toward umpires, though Bautista's attitude is not yet "an issue" and instead is a matter of intensity. At the same time, Gibbons unilaterally condemned Bautista's outbursts: "If you explode on them...Basically, it's like showing them up...Nobody likes to be shown up in the game. Nobody likes to be jumped on."
During Spring Training, Gibbons went on record saying he planned to chat with Bautista about his behavior toward umpires, saying that "whining gets old."
When asked about his fiery behavior, Bautista declared: "It's normal...I don't think I make anybody look bad."
News: Blue Jays' Jose Bautista defends his pointed reactions to umpires' calls (National Post)
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Close Plays Find Baseball's Opening Series Finale
Close plays permeated MLB on Thursday, as two notable tag plays and a passing out call resulted in three manager-umpire discussions, resulting in two upheld calls, one overturned and zero ejections.
Rays batter Evan Longoria was called out for passing runner Ben Zobrist in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Orioles-Rays game. With none out and two on, Longoria hit a first pitch fastball to deep center field, driving in R2 Sean Rodriguez and sending R1 Zobrist to third as Longoria himself cruised into second base with an apparent double. Unfortunately for the Rays, 1B Umpire James Hoye ruled Longoria out under the auspices of Rule 7.08(h)—passing a preceding runner before such runner is out—resulting in the official scoring of a single, Longoria out advancing to second. Zobrist retained third base.
Though Rays Manager Joe Maddon argued a pass situation had not occurred, it was to no avail, as the call was upheld after Hoye consulted crew chief and 2B Umpire John Hirschbeck. What is your QOC?
Longoria ruled out for passing a preceding runner, Zobrist
Meanwhile in Cincinnati, HP Umpire CB Bucknor's timed safe call on Angels runner Albert Pujols' slide past Reds catcher Ryan Hanigan made MLB's "Must C" list, as replays indicate that even though the ball beat Pujols quite handily, Hanigan failed to tag Pujols; as his momentum pushed Pujols to retouch the point of home plate prior to Hanigan's attempted retag, Bucknor gave a timed safe tag, a mechanic that is correct by rule and instruction.
Bucknor shows patience in formulating an excellent safe call at the plate
Finally, in Atlanta, 1B Umpire Scott Barry reversed his initial safe call after conferring with crewmates after a high throw by Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons pulled first baseman Freddie Freeman off the bag, who replays demonstrate successfully tagged Phillies baserunner Erik Kratz as he ran by.
Rays batter Evan Longoria was called out for passing runner Ben Zobrist in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Orioles-Rays game. With none out and two on, Longoria hit a first pitch fastball to deep center field, driving in R2 Sean Rodriguez and sending R1 Zobrist to third as Longoria himself cruised into second base with an apparent double. Unfortunately for the Rays, 1B Umpire James Hoye ruled Longoria out under the auspices of Rule 7.08(h)—passing a preceding runner before such runner is out—resulting in the official scoring of a single, Longoria out advancing to second. Zobrist retained third base.
Though Rays Manager Joe Maddon argued a pass situation had not occurred, it was to no avail, as the call was upheld after Hoye consulted crew chief and 2B Umpire John Hirschbeck. What is your QOC?
Longoria ruled out for passing a preceding runner, Zobrist
Meanwhile in Cincinnati, HP Umpire CB Bucknor's timed safe call on Angels runner Albert Pujols' slide past Reds catcher Ryan Hanigan made MLB's "Must C" list, as replays indicate that even though the ball beat Pujols quite handily, Hanigan failed to tag Pujols; as his momentum pushed Pujols to retouch the point of home plate prior to Hanigan's attempted retag, Bucknor gave a timed safe tag, a mechanic that is correct by rule and instruction.
Bucknor shows patience in formulating an excellent safe call at the plate
Finally, in Atlanta, 1B Umpire Scott Barry reversed his initial safe call after conferring with crewmates after a high throw by Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons pulled first baseman Freddie Freeman off the bag, who replays demonstrate successfully tagged Phillies baserunner Erik Kratz as he ran by.
MiLB 2013 Debut Ejections: Ben May (1, 2)
MiLB has its first ejections of 2013; HP Umpire Ben May ejected Bisons third baseman Andy LaRoche and Manager Marty Brown for arguing a foul ball call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Red Wings-Bisons game. With one out and two on, LaRoche took a 1-2 pitch from Red Wings pitcher Daniel Turpen inside, where contact with LaRoche's wrist, hand and bat area occurred. Replays indicate the ball first contacted LaRoche's wrist and LaRoche did not appear to have attempted to strike the pitch, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Bisons were leading, 9-8. The Bisons ultimately won the contest, 12-7.
Video: LaRoche appears to be plunked by pitch, ruled a foul; Brown spikes helmet during argument (N/A)
NBA Ejections: Kennedy/Forte/Richardson (2), TFFL Day 145
Referees Bill Kennedy (crew chief), Brian Forte (R) and Derek Richardson (R2/umpire) ejected Clippers center Ryan Hollins for a flagrant foul penalty two and Suns forward Michael Beasley for fighting during the 4th quarter of the Suns-Clippers game. With 8:57 remaining in the 4th period, Hollins excessively and unnecessarily fouled Suns guard Goran Dragic by grabbing Dragic by the head/neck area, resulting in a flagrant foul type two. Beasley was issued a flagrant technical for attempting to fight Hollins. At the time of the ejections, the Clippers were leading, 104-79. The Clippers ultimately won the contest, 126-101.
These are Bill Kennedy (55)'s third and fourth involvements with ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
These are Brian Forte (45)'s second and third involvements with ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
These are Derek Richardson (63)'s first and second involvements with ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
These are Brian Forte (45)'s second and third involvements with ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
These are Derek Richardson (63)'s first and second involvements with ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
2012-13 TFFL: Day 145 (12 Games, 7 Technicals, 1 Ejection)
951: #38 Michael Smith, #50 Olandis Poole, #32 Eddie F. Rush. Wizards' Vesely; 3rd, 1:42 (double-952).
952: #38 Michael Smith, #50 Olandis Poole, #32 Eddie F. Rush. Raptors' Acy; 3rd, 1:42 (double-951).
The Toronto Raptors ultimately won the contest, defeating the Washington Wizards, 88-78.
953: #48 Scott Foster, #6 Tony Brown, #44 Eli Roe. Knicks' Smith; 3rd, 1:32.
The New York Knicks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Altanta Hawks, 95-82.
954: #8 Marc Davis, #70 Brent Barnaky, #35 Kane Fitzgerald. Celtics' Hill; 4th, 3:19.
The Boston Celtics ultimately won the contest, defeating the Detroit Pistons, 98-93.
955: #55 Bill Kennedy, #45 Brian Forte, #63 Derek Richardson. Suns' Tucker; 1st, 8:43 (double-956).
956: #55 Bill Kennedy, #45 Brian Forte, #63 Derek Richardson. Clippers' Griffin; 1st, 8:43 (double-955).
957: #55 Bill Kennedy, #45 Brian Forte, #63 Derek Richardson. Suns' Beasley; 4th, 8:57.
Phoenix Suns F Michael Beasley ejected (flagrant technical foul "fighting").
The Los Angeles Clippers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Phoenix Suns, 126-101.
952: #38 Michael Smith, #50 Olandis Poole, #32 Eddie F. Rush. Raptors' Acy; 3rd, 1:42 (double-951).
The Toronto Raptors ultimately won the contest, defeating the Washington Wizards, 88-78.
953: #48 Scott Foster, #6 Tony Brown, #44 Eli Roe. Knicks' Smith; 3rd, 1:32.
The New York Knicks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Altanta Hawks, 95-82.
954: #8 Marc Davis, #70 Brent Barnaky, #35 Kane Fitzgerald. Celtics' Hill; 4th, 3:19.
The Boston Celtics ultimately won the contest, defeating the Detroit Pistons, 98-93.
955: #55 Bill Kennedy, #45 Brian Forte, #63 Derek Richardson. Suns' Tucker; 1st, 8:43 (double-956).
956: #55 Bill Kennedy, #45 Brian Forte, #63 Derek Richardson. Clippers' Griffin; 1st, 8:43 (double-955).
957: #55 Bill Kennedy, #45 Brian Forte, #63 Derek Richardson. Suns' Beasley; 4th, 8:57.
Phoenix Suns F Michael Beasley ejected (flagrant technical foul "fighting").
The Los Angeles Clippers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Phoenix Suns, 126-101.
1. (207 pts) Bino.
2. (203 pts) Boredcravens.
3. (192 pts) cyclone14.
4. (182 pts) Niicker.
5. (179 pts) flap0703.
5. (179 pts) flap0703.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
NBA Ejection: J Crawford/Corbin/Lane & TFFL Day 144
Referees Joe Crawford (crew chief), Sean Corbin (R) and Karl Lane (R2/umpire) ejected Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich for a second technical foul during the 4th quarter of the Bulls-Wizards game. With 3:19 remaining in the 4th period, Bulls center Nazr Mohammed attempted to tip in a Hinrich missed shot, but was ruled to have contacted the ball while it was still within the cylinder, resulting in offensive basket interference and a turnover. Hinrich disagreed with the call, resulting in Hinrich's two technicals, including an ejection by Corbin. At the time of the ejection, the Wizards were leading, 83-82. The Wizards ultimately won the contest, 90-86.
This is Joe Crawford (17)'s second involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
This is Sean Corbin (33)'s fourth involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
This is Karl Lane (77)'s third involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
Video: Hinrich disagrees and is dismissed by Corbin (1:42) (0:35)
2012-13 TFFL: Day 144 (3 Games, 7 Technicals, 1 Ejection)
945: #17 Joe Crawford, #33 Sean Corbin, #77 Karl Lane. Bulls' Boozer; 3rd, 10:05.
946: #17 Joe Crawford, #33 Sean Corbin, #77 Karl Lane. Bulls' Hinrich; 4th, 3:19 (consec-947).
947: #17 Joe Crawford, #33 Sean Corbin, #77 Karl Lane. Bulls' Hinrich; 4th, 3:19 (consec-946).
Chicago Bulls G Kirk Hinrich ejected (second technical).
The Washington Wizards ultimately won the contest, defeating the Chicago Bulls, 90-86.
948: #24 Mike Callahan, #47 Bennie Adams, #20 Leroy Richardson. Knicks' Anthony; 1st, 0:02.5.
949: #24 Mike Callahan, #47 Bennie Adams, #20 Leroy Richardson. Heat's Miller; 2nd, 5:59.
The New York Knicks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Miami Heat, 102-90.
950: #10 Ron Garretson, #74 Curtis Blair, #11 Derrick Collins. Mavericks' Nowitzki; 4th, 4:04.
The Los Angeles Lakers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Dallas Mavericks, 101-81.
946: #17 Joe Crawford, #33 Sean Corbin, #77 Karl Lane. Bulls' Hinrich; 4th, 3:19 (consec-947).
947: #17 Joe Crawford, #33 Sean Corbin, #77 Karl Lane. Bulls' Hinrich; 4th, 3:19 (consec-946).
Chicago Bulls G Kirk Hinrich ejected (second technical).
The Washington Wizards ultimately won the contest, defeating the Chicago Bulls, 90-86.
948: #24 Mike Callahan, #47 Bennie Adams, #20 Leroy Richardson. Knicks' Anthony; 1st, 0:02.5.
949: #24 Mike Callahan, #47 Bennie Adams, #20 Leroy Richardson. Heat's Miller; 2nd, 5:59.
The New York Knicks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Miami Heat, 102-90.
950: #10 Ron Garretson, #74 Curtis Blair, #11 Derrick Collins. Mavericks' Nowitzki; 4th, 4:04.
The Los Angeles Lakers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Dallas Mavericks, 101-81.
1. (207 pts) Bino.
2. (203 pts) Boredcravens.
3. (191 pts) cyclone14.
4. (179 pts) flap0703.
5. (177 pts) Niicker.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
NBA Ejection: Mauer/Goble/Barnaky & TFFL Day 143
Referees Ken Mauer (crew chief), John Goble (R) and Brent Barnaky (R2/umpire) ejected Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson for a second technical foul during the 2nd quarter of the Cavaliers-Hawks game. With 7:07 remaining in the 2nd period, Gibson received his first technical foul after failing to draw a foul in connection with a missed three-point jump shot attempt. After jawing with opponent DeShawn Stevenson, Gibson and Stevenson were issued offsetting unsporting conduct technical fouls, resulting in Gibson's accrual of two cumulative technicals and his automatic ejection. At the time of the ejection, the Hawks were leading, 33-25. The Hawks ultimately won the contest, 102-94.
This is Ken Mauer (41)'s seventh involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
This is John Goble (30)'s seventh involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
This is Brent Barnaky (70)'s fifth involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
Video: In the midst of a season-high nine-game losing streak, Gibson's frustration results in ejection (0:35)
2012-13 TFFL: Day 143 (8 Games, 7 Technicals, 1 Ejection)
938: #48 Scott Foster, #56 Mark Ayotte, #72 J.T. Orr. Raptors' Valancuinas; 2nd, 1:19.
The Detroit Pistons ultimately won the contest, defeating the Toronto Raptors, 108-98.
939: #41 Ken Mauer, #30 John Goble, #70 Brent Barnaky. Cavaliers' Gibson; 2nd, 7:07.
940: #41 Ken Mauer, #30 John Goble, #70 Brent Barnaky. Hawks' Stevenson; 2nd, 7:07 (double-941).
941: #41 Ken Mauer, #30 John Goble, #70 Brent Barnaky. Cavaliers' Gibson; 2nd, 7:07 (double-940).
Cleveland Cavaliers G Daniel Gibson ejected (second technical).
942: #41 Ken Mauer, #30 John Goble, #70 Brent Barnaky. Cavaliers' Walton; 3rd, 0:13.1.
The Atlanta Hawks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers, 102-94.
943: #55 Bill Kennedy, #59 Gary Zielinski, #79 Kevin Scott. Bobcats' Henderson; 4th, 2:51.
The Milwaukee Bucks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Charlotte Bobcats, 131-102.
944: #9 Derrick Stafford, #12 Violet Palmer, #28 Zach Zarba. Pacers' Mahinmi; 3rd, 2:56.
The Indiana Pacers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers, 109-106.
1. (207 pts) Bino.
2. (199 pts) Boredcravens.
3. (189 pts) cyclone14.
4. (179 pts) flap0703.
5. (177 pts) Niicker.
NBA Referee Greg Willard Dead at 54
NBA referee Greg Willard has died nearly 10 months after first being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
An official since 1988 who wore the uniform number 57, Willard officiated 1,515 regular season and 134 playoff games, including three NBA Finals after stints with the Continental Basketball Association and college basketball's PCAA (now Big West) and Pac-10 (now Pac-12) conferences. Willard also was affiliated with the Orange County Football Officials Association and attended both Orange Coast College and Long Beach State.
Willard officiated his final NBA contest in October, a pre-season affair between the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers, played in Anaheim, close to Willard's home town of Huntington Beach. He received the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's Spirit of Hope Award later that month.
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States with a poor prognosis. Exocrine pancreatic cancer is associated with a one-year survival rate of just 25%, decreasing to 6% after five years. The median survival is about 10 months.
In honor of PCAN and Willard, NBA regional rights-holders such as FOX Sports have raised awareness and funds throughout the season for cancer research; NBA officials have worn purple awareness bracelets throughout the 2012-13 NBA season.
A Southern California native and a married father of three, Willard was 54 years old.
 |
| Greg Willard passed away April 1, 2013. |
Willard officiated his final NBA contest in October, a pre-season affair between the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers, played in Anaheim, close to Willard's home town of Huntington Beach. He received the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's Spirit of Hope Award later that month.
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States with a poor prognosis. Exocrine pancreatic cancer is associated with a one-year survival rate of just 25%, decreasing to 6% after five years. The median survival is about 10 months.
In honor of PCAN and Willard, NBA regional rights-holders such as FOX Sports have raised awareness and funds throughout the season for cancer research; NBA officials have worn purple awareness bracelets throughout the 2012-13 NBA season.
A Southern California native and a married father of three, Willard was 54 years old.
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