Long-time referee Dick Bavetta is reportedly retiring after 40 seasons in the NBA.

I am hearing that longtime NBA veteran referee Dick Bavetta is retiring. Not official yet though, according to NBA sources. Bavetta is 74. — Ailene Voisin (@ailene_voisin) July 29, 2014

According to data compiled by Basketball-Reference, which tracks referee data dating back to 1988, Bavetta has officiated 1,711 games in the time in-between, and through his sheer permanency and on-court personality, has become a well-known mainstay in the league.

Although no word has surfaced as to his reason for retiring, it likely centers around his age, as the wily veteran is 74 years of age.

His tenure with the league has produced numerous highlights, but Bavetta's most memorable moment was produced when he famously raced Charles Barkley in the 2007 All-Star Game.

[H/T Pro Basketball Talk]