Derrick Stafford: 30 Years in the NBA, Michael Jordan, and TGL Golf

In this special episode of the Power to Persist, host Lamell McMorris welcomes retired 30-year NBA official and current TGL referee Derrick Stafford to the basement of his childhood home on the South Side of Chicago. Stafford takes listeners behind the scenes of professional sports officiating, sharing candid stories about working alongside iconic figures like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Charles Oakley. He opens up about surviving high-stakes trials—including a high-profile IRS investigation and the league's betting scandal—while offering rare insights into the evolution of officiating, technology, and the work ethic required to reach the top of the game.

Throughout the conversation, Stafford demonstrates how establishing core habits empowers individuals to push through adversity and stay the course. He illustrates dogged determination through his unwavering commitment to his craft, rising from youth leagues to officiating the highest levels of basketball and golf despite facing intense public scrutiny and personal setbacks. He models the agility of introspection by continuously evaluating his own performance, adapting to new technological tools, and learning to navigate complex organizational dynamics without losing his integrity. Above all, Stafford emphasizes the power of building a network, showing how deep relationships rooted in faith, community service, and mentorship have sustained his career and enabled him to continually give back to the next generation.