Anthony Mason, a onetime popular New York Knick who represented the city’s scrappy teams of the 1990s, died Saturday morning, according to the Washington Post. He was 48.
Mason, who also played with the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat, was hospitalized this month in Atlanta for treatment of congestive heart failure and underwent several procedures, the Post writes.
Scores of fans offered prayers for Mason to pull through. On Saturday his son Anthony Mason Jr. thanked everyone for their support, according to the Post, citing a report at ESPN.
“First I want to thank all those who offered prayers and well-wishes for my Father, our family really appreciates it,” he said in a statement, according to the Post. “Overnight, New York City and the world lost a legend, a friend, a brother … but more than anything our father, Anthony Mason. As you all would expect our father—Big Mase—put up an incredible fight, dealing with a severe heart issue. I’m wishing this was something else I was writing, but Pops we’ve got to let you know we love you and know you’ll always be with us.”
Mason, a power forward, was a giant on the court, averaging 10.9 points and 8.3 rebounds in his 13 NBA seasons.
Read more at the Washington Post.