National Basketball Association

Players, fans pay emotional tributes to former Knick Anthony Mason

Published Feb. 28, 2015 2:01 p.m. ET

foxsports

The sports world was in mourning on Saturday after news broke that former New York Knicks star Anthony Mason had passed away at the age of 48.

"I’m deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Anthony Mason," Michael Jordan said via CharlotteObserver.com. "Mase was one of the toughest competitors of his era. While on the Hornets, he was beloved by fans throughout the Carolinas for his hard-nosed play and skill on the court. The Hornets organization extends its condolences to his entire family.”

“My heart is heavy after learning we lost Anthony Mason last night," Patrick Ewing said in a statement, also via CharlotteObserver.com. "We were teammates on the Knicks for five great seasons. Mase came to play every night and was always ready to go to battle with me every time we stepped on the court together. I will remember him for his strength, determination and perseverance. My thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace.”

Here is a sampling of the outpouring of social media tributes dedicated to the beloved power forward, both from the sports world and beyond:

#RIPAnthonyMason played with my pops in Charlotte & always treated me like his son when I was around. Prayers up for the family!
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) February 28, 2015

It's a sad day to hear the passing of Anthony Mason. #Knicks fans please pray for his family. It's hard losing a loved one
— Walt Clyde Frazier (@WaltFrazier) February 28, 2015

Sad & shocked to hear about Anthony Mason passing at 48. I had a chance to play against him. Fierce competitor. #NBAFamily #RIPAnthonyMason
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) February 28, 2015

So sad #RIPAnthonyMason we grew up together and he always had a BBall with him. May God bless you and your family! ? pic.twitter.com/9q4IUaGclb
— Pepa (@DaRealPepa) February 28, 2015

#RIPAnthonyMason - gone too soon. I'm sending prayers to his family, friends and the @nyknicks. #6thMan pic.twitter.com/UnwAF95bH7
— Horace Grant (@horacegrant54) February 28, 2015

Good times on Four Courses set with my my Bro #RIPAnthonyMason. Thank you for always supporting. We will miss you. pic.twitter.com/SrL9rFY8Nj
— jb smoove (@ohsnapjbsmoove) February 28, 2015

?#RIPAnthonyMason A tough, classy gentle giant. ? God Bless and condolences to his Family. http://t.co/8CpfsMceTG
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) February 28, 2015

Praying for the Family, Friends, and Fans of My former teammate Anthony Mason. #RIPBro
— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) February 28, 2015

Life is too short #RipAnthonyMason https://t.co/a5tmjn43c0
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) February 28, 2015

RIP my Dude #AnthonyMason he was a great supporter of comedy and personally Me,throughout my career. A fierce and Respected NBA player.
— CedricTheEntertainer (@CedEntertainer) February 28, 2015

Before NBA players had tattoos, #AnthonyMason had haircut designs! #RIP "Locksmith" ~ photo via @si_vault pic.twitter.com/7gq8mq2t3u
— Marcus Smith (@MarcusSmith_) February 28, 2015

Rest In Peace #anthonymason http://t.co/XgTHyIK7i6 pic.twitter.com/elQhu5kT4n
— Etan Thomas (@etanthomas36) February 28, 2015

So deeply saddened at the death of my namesake @nyknicks great #AnthonyMason. Mase was a wonderful guy. pic.twitter.com/pRXzM84h6q
— Anthony Mason (@AnthonyMasonCBS) February 28, 2015

Got damn heavy heart this morning R.I.P. my guy Anthony Mason love you ! pic.twitter.com/bqvXKTJuFk
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) February 28, 2015

Thoughts & prayers to the Mason family as we remember Anthony Mason in these iconic photos. http://t.co/ibR5ibgx5q pic.twitter.com/BeUZg02L2R
— NBA New York Knicks (@nyknicks) February 28, 2015

Rip to Mase one of the greats . Even though he died if he played for the Knicks tonight he'd start. http://t.co/AohwfN4RGB
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) February 28, 2015