Melissa Johnson

Violet Palmer is one of the best officials in the NBA - male or female. Players, family, and her fellow zebras attest to her excellence, and game footage demonstrates her uncanny ability to maintain both control and humanity at the same time. As her mother Gussie’s favorite player, Kobe Bryant, says: She does a kick-ass job.

Violet Palmer is one of the best officials in the NBA - male or female. Players, family, and her fellow zebras attest to her excellence, and game footage demonstrates her uncanny ability to maintain both control and humanity at the same time. As her mother Gussie’s favorite player, Kobe Bryant, says: She does a kick-ass job.

Violet Palmer is one of the best officials in the NBA - male or female. Players, family, and her fellow zebras attest to her excellence, and game footage demonstrates her uncanny ability to maintain both control and humanity at the same time. As her mother Gussie’s favorite player, Kobe Bryant, says: She does a kick-ass job.