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Before
nearly 200 fellow officials, including his immediate
NBA supervisor Ed Rush and league Senior Vice President
of Basketball Operations Stu Jackson, Bob Delaney
humbly accepted the NASO Gold Whistle Award on June
23 in Portland, Ore.
"I accept
this award not for any personal action of mine or
Billie (my wife), but on behalf of all my teammates
— my fellow officials in the NBA," said a tuxedo
clad Delaney. "We’re a team on and off the court."
Delaney’s
remarks followed a heartfelt introduction by Rush
and Jackson and a stirring 11-minute video presentation
highlighting the charitable contributions Delaney
has fostered over the years. The video highlighted
a speech Delaney gave to middle school students, spoke
of his NBA beginnings and ended with a motivational
send off emphasizing the importance of every person
reaching out to meet their full potential.
Both
Rush and Jackson emphasized Delaney’s personal
drive to excel made him the right man for the award.
His leadership qualities, his ability to motivate
and to demonstrate by example were just some of the
accolades directed at Delaney. The kudos came from
executives who were obviously proud to be part of
the special night that honored one of their own. Delaney
is the second NBA official to receive the coveted
NASO Gold Whistle Award. Tommy Nuñez won the
honor in 1999.
Throughout
his remarks, Delaney recognized others for their support
and leadership that inspire him. He noted that Billie
is a marathon runner, he acknowledged Nuñez’s
scholarship program and he spoke of how important
the giving of time can be to help others.
"We don’t
always have the financial resources to help every
cause," he said, "but what I do have is time and I
try to help others find ways to raise money or create
new programs. We all have time."
Attendees
seeking a moment to share a congratulatory handshake,
capture a photo or an autograph mobbed Delaney following
the banquet. Bob smiled and fulfilled every request.
"This is
so unbelievable," he said. "I still can’t believe
this. Ever since I got the call that I was being honored
it’s been like a dream and I don’t want
to wake up."
NASO
Gold Whistle Award Criteria
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