Earl Strom: The Legendary and Controversial Career of an NBA Referee
In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, few figures commanded as much respect—and sparked as much chaos—as Earl Strom. Known for his unwavering confidence, sharp wit, and a penchant for confrontation, Strom was more than just an official; he was a personality who mirrored the intensity of the game itself. From the early days of the NBA to the rivalry with the ABA, Strom's career spanned decades of evolution in the sport.
Key Facts
- Career Span: Officiated in the NBA from 1957–1969, the ABA from 1969–1972, and returned to the NBA from 1973–1990.
- Historic Firsts: Part of the only two-man officiating crew to work an entire NBA Finals series (1961).
- Unique Ejections: Credited with the first-ever ejection of an NBA mascot (Benny the Bull).
- Peer Recognition: Voted the top official in the NBA by players and coaches in the 1989–90 season.
- Legal Precedent: Successfully sued the NBA for breach of an oral contract to secure his return to the league in 1973.
The Early NBA Years (1957–1969)
Earl Strom entered the NBA for the 1957–58 season after an invitation from Jocko Collins, the supervisor of officials. He quickly rose through the ranks, learning from veterans like Mendy Rudolph, Norm Drucker, and Sid Borgia. By his third season, Strom was already officiating playoff games, a rarity for referees with such limited experience at the time.
Strom made history in 1961 when he and Mendy Rudolph officiated the entire NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the St. Louis Hawks. This occurred because the two teams could not agree on any other officials, making it a unique event in league history.
Throughout the 1960s, Strom was a fixture in the league's biggest moments. He refereed the first meeting between legends Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell in 1959 and the final meeting between them a decade later. He was also the official on the court during the 1965 Eastern Conference finals when John Havlicek stole the ball to preserve a Celtics victory—all while Strom was wearing a cast after punching a fan during an altercation the previous night.
One of the most enduring stories of this era involves Wilt Chamberlain. During a game in Memphis, Tennessee, Strom became embroiled in a heated argument with Hawks general manager Irv Gack. As fans began to swarm the court, Chamberlain stepped in, physically lifted Strom up, and escorted him to safety, saying, "C'mon Earl. Let's get the hell out of here."
The Jump to the ABA and the Battle for Benefits
By 1969, a bidding war for talent erupted between the NBA and the newly formed American Basketball Association (ABA). While the NBA offered a salary of $16,000, it lacked essential benefits like pensions and family hospitalization. Lured by the ABA's superior offer—a $25,000 salary, a $25,000 signing bonus, and comprehensive health and pension plans—Strom and three other officials jumped leagues.
This mass exodus forced the NBA to reform its compensation structure, leading to significantly higher salaries and the introduction of medical and pension plans for remaining officials.
ABA Controversies and Return to the NBA
Strom's time in the ABA (1969–1972) was marked by his typical volatility. He was fined $250 after punching a fan who used profanity during a game in Denver. In another instance, he was fined $50 for calling Julius Erving the "greatest player alive" to a reporter. In a characteristic move, Strom sent the commissioner $100, stating the extra $50 was because Erving truly was the greatest.
Strom's departure from the ABA was contentious. After a handshake agreement with NBA Commissioner Walter Kennedy and supervisor John Nucatola to return to the NBA for the 1972–73 season, the league failed to provide a written contract. This led Strom to file a $275,000 lawsuit for breach of an oral contract. To avoid a trial, the NBA agreed to reinstate him for the 1973–74 season.
The Final Act: Return to the NBA (1973–1990)
Returning to a league that now paid referees twice as much as when he left, Strom spent the next 17 years cementing his legacy. He continued to be a lightning rod for controversy, including a physical altercation with referee Dick Bavetta after a disputed call and a suspension during the 1976 NBA Finals due to complaints from the Phoenix Suns regarding foul disparities.
Strom was also known for his fearless interactions with coaches and players. When Utah Jazz coach Frank Layden verbally abused him to get ejected from a game, Strom refused, telling him, "I know what you're trying to do, Frank, but if I've got to stay out here and watch this shit, so do you." Similarly, when an Atlanta Hawks player accused him of protecting superstars like Michael Jordan, Strom replied, "Damn right I am, you eliminate these guys from the game and we're all out of work."
The 1977 Referee Strike
During the 1977 NBA Playoffs, 24 referees went on strike to demand collective bargaining and better benefits. Strom was one of only two officials who refused to strike, believing his contract was a binding obligation. This decision made him a target, resulting in a phoned-in death threat during a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets.
Legacy and Final Recognition
Despite the fines and suspensions, Strom's technical proficiency was undisputed. In the 1989–90 season, he was voted the top official in the NBA by players and coaches. A separate survey by the Detroit Free Press named him the best official across all major professional sports, beating out top officials from MLB, NFL, and NHL.
Strom's final game took place on June 12, 1990, during Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers. He ended his career as he lived it: making a decisive, correct call by waving off a half-court heave at the buzzer.
| Period | League | Key Highlights / Events |
|---|---|---|
| 1957–1969 | NBA | Officiated 1961 Finals; handled Russell vs. Chamberlain matchups. |
| 1969–1972 | ABA | Secured higher pay/benefits; fined for praising Julius Erving. |
| 1973–1990 | NBA | Sued for reinstatement; refused 1977 strike; voted #1 official in 1990. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Earl Strom leave the NBA for the ABA in 1969?
Strom left primarily for better financial compensation and security. The ABA offered a higher salary, a signing bonus, and essential benefits—such as health insurance and a pension plan—which the NBA did not provide at the time.
How did Earl Strom return to the NBA after his ABA stint?
After the NBA failed to honor a handshake agreement to rehire him, Strom filed a $275,000 lawsuit for breach of an oral contract. The NBA eventually settled by giving him his job back before the 1973–74 season.
Who was the first mascot ever ejected from an NBA game?
Benny the Bull of the Chicago Bulls is believed to be the first mascot ejected from an NBA game, an action taken by Earl Strom during the 1974 NBA Playoffs after the mascot made obscene gestures toward officials.
What was Strom's role during the 1977 NBA referee strike?
Strom was one of only two referees who refused to join the strike. He believed that honoring his contract was a professional obligation, despite receiving death threats as a result of his decision.
How was Earl Strom viewed by his peers at the end of his career?
He was highly respected for his skill. In the 1989–90 season, he was voted the best official in the NBA by players and coaches and was named the top official across all major professional sports by a Detroit Free Press survey.