Sean Rooks, an assistant coach for the 76ers and a former NBA center, died suddenly Tuesday at a Philadelphia restaurant. The 76ers, who have employed Rooks as a player-development coach since 2014, issued an official statement on Rooks' death:
"It is with a profound deal of sadness that we mourn the loss of a beloved son, father and friend, Sean Rooks," the statement said. "Words simply cannot express the heartbreak and shock our entire organization is feeling over this loss...While he is gone far too soon, we will all hold close the time we were able to spend with Sean here in Philadelphia."
Hours before his death, Rooks met with the Knicks about the possibility of landing an assistant coaching job with the team. Yahoo Sportsreported that the team hoped Rooks would take the position.
After his playing career ended, Rooks coached in the NBA D-League before taking a job with the 76ers.
Reactions to Rooks' death came quickly from players and owners throughout the league. You can read some of them below:
Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com.
