“Love You Bro, Rest in Heaven”: An Emotional Paul George Joins Tyrese Haliburton and Rest of the Pacers Community to Mourn the Loss of a Legend

Following the tragic passing of Ernie Johnson’s mother, Lois Johnson, and popular college basketball commentator, Billy Packer, the NBA world mourned another loss. Earlier this year, NBA legends, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, expressed their grief for Johnson’s family on NBA on TNT. Lakers legend, Magic Johnson, also penned a heartfelt note to the color commentator and his well-wisher. And now, Paul George joined the Indiana Pacers community to pay respect to a legendary Pacers member.

The Indiana Pacers announced the passing of their former director of media relations, David Benner, via social media. Benner (67), who worked for the Pacers for nearly three decades until he stepped down in 2022, had reportedly been battling cancer over the last decade. After a long battle with the illness, he passed away on Wednesday. The social media post, featuring a few images of Benner, also included an official statement from the Pacers Sports and Entertainment owner, Herb Simon. 

Paul George and Pacers stars paid their respects to the legend

Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George, who was part of the Pacers family for seven years, took to Instagram and shared a video and image of his moments with David Benner. He penned an emotional and heartfelt note in the caption, which read, “Damn. sad news we miss you Benner! One of the many lights in Indiana I was grateful to get to know! I love you bro rest in heaven. I’ll have plenty of stories and good laughs when I see you ”

Pacers star, Tyrese Haliburton, also expressed his grief in the comment section of George’s post.

Following George, Haliburton, and Co. paid their tribute by sporting a Benner sweatshirt for Thursday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs. Along with the players, the coaching staff also wore tribute sweatshirts.

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While the players aired their tributes to Benner, NBA fans also joined in. 

The Pacers community lamented the loss of a franchise stalwart

NBA fans replied to a tweet on the Pacers’ official Twitter handle. A few users touched on Benner as a person and shared some anecdotes about their time with him. It included little things, from sharing friendly stories to making young media members feel welcome, and never refusing a favor.

Other Twitter users opted to send their thoughts, prayers, and condolences to Benner’s grieving family.

ESPN carried out a special tribute segment for Benner, speaking about his efforts to the Pacers as a mark of honor.

What do you make of Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George’s heartfelt note for the Indiana Pacers legend? Let us know in the comments below. 

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