Brooklyn Nets release statement on the passing of ex-owner Lewis Katz

Lewis Katz, 72, co-owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Daily News and ex-Nets owner (New Jersey) died Saturday night when his private plane crashed at a Massachusetts airfield.

Katz was the owner of the Nets when they had their most successful run in franchise history in the early 2000’s as Jason Kidd led them to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances before he sold the team to Bruce Ratner.

STATEMENT FROM BROOKLYN NETS ORGANIZATION ON THE PASSING OF LEWIS KATZ

Posted Jun 1 2014 6:17PM

BROOKLYN, NY – The Brooklyn Nets organization was shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic death of Lewis Katz, an exceptional man who was the visual face of the ownership group during the most successful period of the Nets NBA franchise. Besides his love of the game, Lewis was deeply committed to the community and leaves an enduring record of philanthropic initiatives. Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to his family.