Darrell Garretson

Darell Lee Garretson (March 18, 1932 – April 21, 2008) was an American professional basketball referee in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 27 years from 1967 to 1994, and he later served as NBA Supervisor of Officials for 17 years from 1981 to 1998. During his career, Garretson officiated over 2,000 games, including 1,798 regular season NBA games, 269 playoff games, 41 Finals games and five All-Star games. Born in Long Point, Illinoi... more

Darell Lee Garretson (March 18, 1932 – April 21, 2008) was an American professional basketball referee in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 27 years from 1967 to 1994, and he later served as NBA Supervisor of Officials for 17 years from 1981 to 1998. During his career, Garretson officiated over 2,000 games, including 1,798 regular season NBA games, 269 playoff games, 41 Finals games and five All-Star games. Born in Long Point, Illinois, Garretson attended Illinois State Normal University (now Illinois State University) during the 1950s and later served in the U.S. Navy, stationed in San Diego, California. Discharging from the Navy in 1960, Garretson remained in California along with his wife, Jeanne. Becoming involved with sports, he served as manager of the Garden Grove, California team in the Little League World Series in 1968. He also officiated recreational, high school, and college basketball games, while working as a salesman, before being hired by the NBA. Darell... less