NBA's Senior VP of referee operations resigns

The NBA Senior VP of referee operations resigned today, but don't expect the level of complaining from players to go down anytime soon. (Jim Rogash/NBA/Getty Images)

The NBA's Senior Vice President of Referee Operations Ronald Johnson resigned today effective at the end of July, the league said in a statement.

Johnson spent 32 years in the Army, retiring as a two-star general before joining the league office in 2008 to lead the Referee Operations department.

"When I was hired, Commissioner Stern asked me to apply my military and engineering background to improve the management processes and methods of an already superior officiating program," Johnson said. "I feel I have accomplished that mission and, with great pride in having led the best referees in the world, I am ready to move on to my next challenge."

The officiating has been a concern this season, especially during the playoffs and with an emphasis on flopping. No replacement has been named for Johnson.

"From day one, Ron has worked tirelessly to maximize the on-court performance of NBA referees, while fostering a culture of compliance and discipline that is at the core of any officiating program's success," said NBA Commissioner David Stern. "We deeply appreciate Ron's contributions during his tenure and wish him well in his future endeavors."