Former NBA commissioner David Stern was admitted to a New York City hospital Thursday afternoon after suffering a brain hemorrhage, the league announced.
"NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage earlier today for which he underwent emergency surgery," the NBA said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with David and his family."
New York's fire department responded to a 911 call at a Midtown restaurant at 1:59 p.m. Fire officials then transported the 77-year-old Stern to Mount Sinai West medical center.
There was no immediate word on his condition.
Stern served as NBA commissioner from 1984-2014, a 30-year run that helped shape the league into the global force it is today.