NBA Refs Wearing Purple Wristbands?

[Luis]

Saw most NBA refs are wearing a purple wristband this season. What's the story? For Greg Willard?

[JugglingReferee]

Quite certain it's for Greg Williard, a 24-year veteran of the league.


According to Awareness Ribbons Meanings and Colors, purple does mean pancreatic cancer:

Purple Ribbon:
Meaning: This color is a symbol of pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, domestic violence, ADD, alzheimer's, religious tolerance, animal abuse, the victims of 9/11 including the police and firefighters, Crohn's disease and colitis, cystic fibrosis, lupus, leimyosarcoma, and fibromyalgia

Additionally, officials working the 2012 finals wore a #57 patch on their jerseys.