SECAUCUS, N.J. — After nearly four decades making the toughest calls in the biggest games, Joey Crawford faced one he hoped to avoid.
It was early November, and his arthritic right knee wasn't getting better. He wanted to get through one final season, but not at less than his best. At 64, he wasn't going to keep up with NBA players while dragging around one leg.
"I tried to rehab a little bit but I knew it was over," Crawford said.
And what a career it was.
Crawford officiated more than 2,500 games in the regular season and another 344 in the playoffs.