Haywoode Workman has made the rare transition from NBA player to league official and is wondering how fans with receive him at Conseco Fieldhouse when he eventually referees a game there.
Workman was a major contributor during four seasons with the Pacers in the mid-1990s.
"I've been thinking about that game," Workman said. "I could imagine there'd be an ovation when they call my name. But when I make that first call against Indiana, they could be throwing trash at me."
He is just the third former player to make the jump.
Probably not of great interest to most people but being such a fan of the NBA in the 90s it's something that caught my eye. I remember hearing a few years ago that he was officiating in the CBA and then the D-League with an eye towards becoming an NBA referee. Congratulations and good look to him.
Charley Eckman was probably a stranger case though, going from NBA referee to NBA head coach.