LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Anthony Mason,
outstanding athlete, New York City sports icon, and devoted member of
his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge and pay
tribute to those esteemed individuals within the State of New York who
distinguished themselves through outstanding achievements in national
athletic competition; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Mason, a longtime NBA player who helped the New York
Knicks reach the 1994 NBA Finals, died on February 28, 2015, at the age
of 48; and
WHEREAS, Born in Miami, Florida, on December 14, 1966, Anthony Mason
grew up in Queens, New York, and played basketball at Springfield
Gardens High School; and
WHEREAS, After graduation, Anthony Mason attended Tennessee State
University where he was a dominant basketball player, becoming the
school's first All-Ohio Valley Conference selection; in addition, he set
a new school-record of 247 free throws during the 1987-1988 season; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Mason was selected in the third round of the 1988 NBA
draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, but was placed on waivers; display-
ing the toughness and determination for which he would become known,
Anthony steadfastly competed in Turkey and Venezuela, and other basket-
ball minor leagues before returning to the NBA; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, Anthony Mason earned a spot on the New York Knicks
roster, where he quickly became a fan favorite for his outstanding
efforts and physical play, as well as the creative artwork and messages
he had carved in his haircuts; and
WHEREAS, Known for his tenacity on defense and offensive playmaking
abilities, Anthony Mason was an integral part of one of the great teams
in New York Knicks history; he helped his teammates in memorable battles
against the Chicago Bulls in the playoffs and was a member of the squad
which won the Eastern Conference and reached the 1994 NBA Finals; and
WHEREAS, During the prime of his career, Anthony Mason earned the 1995
NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award and then led the league in minutes
played in the subsequent two seasons; furthermore, he was selected to
the 1997 All-NBA (3rd team) and NBA All-Defensive Team (2nd team); and
WHEREAS, Anthony Mason played for six teams during his NBA career but
was best remembered for his tenure with the New York Knicks, where he
played with many exceptional players under Coach Pat Riley from 1991
until 1996; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Charlotte Hornets until 2000, Anthony Mason
reunited with Coach Riley and joined the Miami Heat, where he was
selected to the NBA All-Star Team in 2001; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Mason is survived by his beloved mother, Mary, and
his two sons Anthony Mason, Jr. and Antoine; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Anthony Mason leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; he will be deeply missed; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Anthony Mason, outstanding athlete, New York
City sports icon, and devoted member of his community, and to offer its
sincerest condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Anthony Mason.