The 71-year-old Bill Walton has passed away. - Former NBA star passes away.
Passing of an American Sports Icon: Bill Walton
Bill Walton, a renowned center in American sports, holds a remarkable record of 88 consecutive wins with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), attained two NBA championships, and enthusiastically entertained basketball fans even after his basketball career, serving as a commentator.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver commemorated Walton's life in a statement, "Unique is Bill Walton. He transformed the center position. His all-encompassing skills made him a dominant figure at UCLA and ensured MVP awards both in the regular season and postseason, as well as two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams."
Interestingly, during his collegiate years, Walton was a key figure in the student movement in the 1970s, primarily as an anti-Vietnam War advocate. He utilized his influence as one of the most admired athletes in the country. He once led a group of activists to occupy the UCLA administrative building, even being arrested.
Silver fondly recalls Walton: "Bill transferred his palpable enthusiasm and love for basketball onto the airwaves, providing unconventional yet intriguing commentary that countless generations of basketball enthusiasts appreciated. However, what I'll treasure the most is his zest for life. He always showed up at league events - beaming with a grin, making his presence felt, and willingly sharing his insight and warmth with everyone he came across. I cherished our close camaraderie, envied his unending vigor, and extolled the time he dedicated to each individual he met."
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Source: symclub.org
