Anthony Mason, NBA veteran and father of Auburn's Antoine Mason, dies at 48

AUBURN, Ala. — Anthony Mason, a longtime NBA veteran, passed away Saturday morning in New York City at the age of 48, according to multiple media reports. His death was first reported by the New York Daily News.

Mason, who played for 13 years in the NBA and was a member of six different teams (New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks), died due to complications from a heart attack he suffered last month.

Mason is the father of Auburn guard Antoine Mason. According to the school, Mason flew up to New York on Thursday to be with his family and won't be back with the team for tonight's game at Texas A&M. Mason had traveled to New York twice in the past month, but rejoined the team in time to play in the Tigers' next contest. Since Antoine Mason transferred to Auburn this season, his father had been a frequent presence at home games.

Antoine Mason has averaged 15.1 points per game this season, second-most on the team.

This story was originally published February 28, 2015 at 10:52 AM.