Thursday, April 24, 2008

Nets G Vince Carter had surgery to remove a bone spur from his right ankle yesterday.

Martin O'Malley performed the surgery in New York, Nets President Rod Thorn said.

Carter will be on crutches for several weeks, followed by rehabilitation. He is expected to be ready for training camp.

Carter played in 76 games this past season, averaging 21.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists.

· FORMER REFEREE DIES: Darell Garretson, the longtime NBA referee who also directed the league's officiating staff, has died. He was 76.

The National Basketball Referees Association said that Garretson died Monday at his home in Mesa, Ariz. The union said Garretson's health had been in decline following surgery and various illnesses.

"We are saddened by the passing of Darell Garretson," NBA Commissioner David Stern said. "Darell was a man of extraordinary character, who touched many lives during his 31-year tenure as an NBA official and supervisor of officials."

Garretson began his career as an NBA referee in 1967. In 1981, he became the NBA chief of officiating staff, while remaining an active referee. He held both jobs for 13 seasons and retired from the supervisor position in 1998.

-- From News Services