Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has been named as special adviser to the National Basketball Association and league commissioner Adam Silver.
Dempsey, 63, who was the highest-ranking U.S. military officer over the past four years, stepped down a week ago. He will now participate in NBA functions and serve as chairman on the newly formed Jr. NBA Leadership Council.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called him “one of our country’s most respected leaders, as well as a brilliant strategist.”
“General Dempsey’s unwavering commitment to a life of service reflects the values that we strive to embody as an organization, and I am delighted he will continue his work with the league,” the commissioner said in a statement.
“After four decades of service in the United States armed forces, I look forward to working with the league to help improve communities and positively impact the children of civilian and military families,” Dempsey said, calling basketball his favorite sport.
His position begins Jan. 1. After that, he will take part in the NBA’s overseas exhibition games and its All-Star weekend, in addition to participating in some league meetings. The leadership council he will chair looks to help the NBA’s efforts to engage youth through basketball organizations, live events and interactive experiences.
(h/t Associated Press)
