Celebrating Black History Month in Sports

Donald: Looking back, we have Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 100 points in a game; looking forward: Kobe Bryant. Legends of the game. Being great has a lot that goes with it. For Kobe, being his daughter Gigi's best friend-- who died with him--the two of them loved one another. Fortunately, they were able to express this to one another before the helicopter they traveled in crashed. Kobe was a man to be commended and remembered not just because of Black History Month, but because he exemplified what a legend should be commended and remembered for: love for family.

John: Speaking of old-school legends: Dr. Julius Erving. Known for his awesome dunk over Bill Walton, he believed a little guy who rose above bigger men meant he was of the elite. One of the best. Also, Dr. J did a lot off the court to help people. He became the first NBA player that blacks, as well as whites, looked up to. Even with his off-the-field issues with his family, he was focused on the business. This was why we loved him.

Patrick: Well, that and the afro!

John: Of course!

John: Kobe Bryant, also, was able to maintain focus. Both these guys made it a point to give the fans what they paid for: The Doc, a house call; Kobe, a Lake show.

Patrick: Kenny Washington was to the NFL as Jackie Robinson was to baseball—almost! The difference in regard to breaking down the barriers is that Kenny Washington was one of two players who re-integrated the NFL. In the midst of a 12- year unofficial ban on blacks, 1946 brought a change to the NFL. Change was forced… but it worked. Kenny, finally drafted, was successful during his three years.

Russ: Despite social and racial barriers, African-Americans have shattered expectations. A few of them: Jesse Owens, a five-time record holder in track/field; Jack Johnson: first black heavyweight champion; Charlie Sifford: first black golfer—no, it wasn’t Tiger! He opened the doors for golfers such as Calvin Peete and Tiger Woods. Althea Gibson: first African-American tennis player to play internationally. Also, Bill Russell: the first black coach in the NBA.

Patrick: Didn’t know that.

Russ: I know, right. Also, Russell was the first black NBA MVP. Yep, somebody did his homework!

Patrick: Right!

Russ: Wilma Rudolph, the first African-American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics. Give it up, also, to Arthur Ashe (tennis) and Gabby Douglas (gymnastics).

Donald: One thing I’m learning is that we must make sure to give it up to our legends— and anyone for that matter— while we have the chance to do it. Shout-out to Serena and Venus Williams!

John: Acknowledging the 1966 NCAA champions Texas Western (aka UTEP). 28-1 and the first all-black-starting-five NCAA team to win a championship. This helped open the doors for other black athletes.

Patrick: I wish I knew offhand the people who were behind the scenes—whatever race—who helped to make integration real. Also, piggybacking on Donald’s mention, a shout-out to the Williams sisters. Not only talented on the court, they’ve utilized their beauty—Venus, I see you—to set up their futures. They’re both into fashion and modeling. Kudos to them and their parents for achieving. Also, Sugar Ray Leonard!

Russ: Alabama and USC, 1970—look it up, people! Satchel Paige! Ali! Jim Brown!

John: Larry Holmes!

Donald: Legends of the Midway! “Legends” represent anyone in sports who inspires others to be like him or her.

Patrick: ESPN SportCenter's Stuart Scott—Boo-Yah!