Some sad news to report out of the NBA this evening as former Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls player Jack Haley has passed away.
While Haley was never a star, he played a solid contributing bench role to both teams alongside guys like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan before eventually getting into broadcasting.
According to Yahoo Sports, Jack Haley died from heart disease on Monday afternoon. He was 51-years-old.
“Haley’s family confirmed his death, saying the cause was heart disease. He died Monday at Los Alamitos Medical Center, according to the Orange County coroner’s office website. There were no indications of foul play and an autopsy will be performed, the coroner said.”
In addition to playing for the Bulls and Lakers, Jack Haley also played for the the then New Jersey Nets and San Antonio Spurs and was well known for his unique but colorful friendship with Dennis Rodman.
Jack Haley’s broadcast resume included working for both the Nets and Lakers TV.
Players like Scottie Pippen and Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak spoke about the loss.
”Very sorry to hear my old teammate, Jack Haley, has passed away. Great guy who I stayed in touch with over the years. RIP,” former Bulls star Scottie Pippen posted on Twitter.
Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said in a statement that Haley was ”a hard worker and always very professional.”
”He was proud to wear the Lakers uniform, and he was always a credit to our organization and the Lakers family,” Kupchak said.
Our condolences to Jack Haley’s family.
