R.I.P. Bill Walton

[lihpster]

I realize this is a day for remembering actual, real heroes, but I wanted to mention the passing of one of my sports heros. He was quirky and strange and was injured a lot, but when he was healthy he was one of the best to ever play the game. Rest in Peace, Bill, and know Portland still loves you.

 

[swsig]

I'm sorry to hear that. He marched to his own drummer more than any sports figure I can think of, and was a Dead Head supreme. I had the good fortune to watch him play in person for Helix High School. He had something like 33 points and 36 rebounds in a 32 minute game. No wonder John Wooden went after him to play for UCLA. There was a very interesting multi-part bio of him recently on ESPN's "30 for 30" program. Perhaps ESPN will air it again now that he's gone. R.I.P., Bill.

 

[sheepdawg]

He committed assault and battery on Larry Kenon and Memphis State during the 1973 NCAA Championship Game and never got called for a foul. Kenon just as much as looked at him and got whistled. That's what I remember about him.

Liked him when he was with the Celtics.

R.I.P. Bill.

 

[woodsltc]

Sad to hear of his passing. Fantastic player and interesting person.....kind of a no "BS" type of guy. Don

 

[Ματθιας]

I follow the college game and I liked to hear him call games as a commentator. He was hilarious!

I, too, watched the 30 for 30 series, and it was cool to find out about who he was, what he did as a player, and what he overcame. I had no idea. It was sad to listen to him talk about just wanting to play the game but his body just wouldn't do it. Now he's free of pain and the limitations of his body. RIP.

 

[326MOD10]

Sad to hear of his passing.

He was an unusual and controversial guy at times but a heck of a b-ball player.

He considered himself "The Luckiest Guy In The World" and that was the name if the recent 30 for 30 on ESPN. It is actually 4 parts so if you only saw 2 you need to go back and find the last 2.

ESPN released 2 first then another 2 later.

It gave me a glimpse at a guy that I used to watch play and call games but had no idea how fascinating he was.

RIP Bill.

 

[Rudi]

The Blazers were the champs in 1977. Thanks to him, and some other fantastic players. RIP.