My first year, I was working a game in Atlanta with Earl Strom, and the coach kept complaining to me about Earl's calls.

Earl Strom later broke Rudolph's record and officiated over 2,400 games in his 30-year career.

Earl Strom credited Rudolph for being an influence on the development of his career in the NBA.

"I was disappointed in Earl Strom," Jones said of one of the two officials who worked the game.

"Mendy Rudolph was simply the greatest referee of all time," said Earl Strom.

From the beginning, fearless Earl Strom demonstrates why no one will ever call him Homer.

Earl Strom spots it.

This was the last Finals appearance for Earl Strom, a highly regarded referee, whose career spanned thirty-two years in professional basketball.

But no one knows how many viewers will buy the retiree event, which will be officiated by the noted retired referee, Earl Strom.

Earl Strom, one of the officials, charged him with two technical fouls within a matter of seconds, bringing the ejection.