What does it take to challenge and change the norms of an entire sport, and what are the personal costs and triumphs involved in such a historic journey?
This is part two of the conversation with Spencer Haywood, a basketball legend whose career and legal battles significantly impacted the sport. Spencer discusses his groundbreaking Supreme Court case, "Haywood vs. the NBA", which allowed players to enter the NBA before completing four years of college. This case not only changed NBA rules but also influenced other sports, enabling athletes like LeBron James and Michael Jordan to start their professional careers earlier. He also shares personal anecdotes from his life, his struggles with substance abuse and his recovery journey, and his life after basketball. Listen to his thoughts on his legacy, the delay in his Hall of Fame induction, and his hopes for future recognition from the Denver Nuggets, the team he helped build.
Overall, the episode illustrates the challenges and victories of a sports icon who not only excelled in his sport but also fought for the rights and well-being of his fellow athletes.
Chapter Timestamps
00:00 - The impact of the 1968 Olympics
05:56 - The ABA and the offer from Denver Rockets
11:05 - Contract disputes and legal battles
18:19 - The Supreme Court Victory: Changing the game for future players
21:28 - Reflections on the Journey: From cottonfields to NBA courts
24:51 - The Road to Recovery: Overcoming substance abuse
38:38 - What does Spencer think about the current NBA players
39:46 - Dever Nuggets controversy and the forgotten basketball icon
Quotes:
"LeBron James, Michael Jordan, all of them come through what is called the Haywood versus the NBA, a US Supreme Court ruling which was a ruling in my favor... It's been over $60 billion in player revenue, player salaries generated for all of these black and European families now that are benefiting from that."
"They don't love me, man. And I saved that franchise. I am the original MVP, but they act like I do not exist... But that whole team is under the Spencer Haywood rule too."
“Most people working with the Nuggets today, they feel that I deserted them, not that Ringsby deserted me, because this side of the story is very rarely told and it's told today."
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