John O'Brien
From Hoopedia
John J. O'Brien (born November 4, 1888 in Brooklyn, New York; died December 9, 1967) was an American basketball referee and administrator. He was one of the first administrators to fine players for rules violations.
He was involved in organizing several early professional basketball leagues. He was president of the Interstate Basket Ball League (1915-17). In 1922, he founded the Metropolitan Basketball League, which featured the Original Celtics and the Brooklyn Visitations.
From 1928 to 1946 he served as president of the American Basketball League and as chairman of the board from 1946 to 1953.
He was enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor in 1961.
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