ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- On SportsCenter, Stephen A. Smith joins to pay tribute to the late Bill Walton, who died age 71.
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the man had a serious stuttering problem until he was 28 years old. He overcame it and couldn't stop talking. He was so happy and had tremendous enthusiasm. an amazing genuine broadcaster. Once he was free of his stuttering he lived life to the max. an icon who will be missed.
I grew up in Portland. I saw him play live. He was a hero to me not just because of Basketball but for what he stood for. I was at the airport in Portland when the Trailblazers came back from losing two straight to Philly in the 1977 Finals and it was so cool to see Bill walking down the terminal with his son Luke on his shoulders and telling every photographer "Do Not post a photo of my son"! And he meant it. Never saw that photo. That is the respect he had. Went to the Portland Trailblazer parade after the 1977 NBA Championship a week later. Biggest Oregon parade of all time. Bill thought he could ride his bicycle behind the float and they made for the players but got mobbed and someone grabbed his custom made $4,000 bike. Built for a 7 foot person it was soon returned. I think most of us in Oregon loved everything about him. He fit us and hopefully we fit him too. Bill entire game seemed to be about setting other people up to achieve. I've never seen another player grab a rebound and within a fraction of a second throw it downcourt to create a fast-break like Bill did. Thanks Bill, you were the best.
My uncle was a custodian for Philadelphia 76ers. We went to the games often. In 1977 we were at the pre game warm up. Wally Walker knocked a basketball up in the stands. Nobody seem interested in the basketball so I covered it up with the a jacket. When I went down on the court Bill Walton ask me for the basketball . He said I saw you go get it. He said kid do you need a basketball I said yes. Bill told me to go get it. I thought he was going to keep it. Not only did he sign it . He got the whole team to sign it an he went into the Philly lockeroom an Dr.J sign it. He came back gave me the ball an gave me big hug. I was a Bill Walton fan for life.
Wow! Bill and Dr J were known for being very thoughtful toward fans.
Do you still have the ball?
Wow that is a true human I bet he would always remember that moment.
God bless you.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Amazing story, thanks for sharing...Bill won at life, not just on the court.
Such sad news to wake up to this morning. Bill Walton was my entire childhood when I watched NBA on NBC. Loved listening to his color commentary in those days. Rest in peace, big man.
Rest in peace, he was not only a great player but a great human being
He enlivened the scene. He was great.
I loved watching Bill Walton was calling a game. His enthusiasm, his knowledge, his passion, his humor. My condolences to the Walton family on their loss.
It was always interesting to hear his perspective whenever NBC or CBS would have him work the pre/postgames of the NBA Finals or college basketball championship game. Even as a player from the 60s and 70s, he still understood the game years later. He was staunchly opposed to UCLA joining the Big Ten, and strangely enough he didn't live long enough to see the Bruins play a game in that conference.
I also loved watching games he called! You knew who it was when you heard his voice!
@@RobbieStacks90 Big Red was amazing at calling a game, and even better playing it
Loved Bill. He played with a lot of pain in his prime.
Portland will never forget Bill and all he has done for our city❤
Imagine his career with feet that didn’t cause him pain.
In college he packed his knees with ice after every game, saw him dismantle cal Berkeley bears in the Oakland Colliseum
I'm showing my age but Bill's commentary was legendary. They couldn't have him now a days but his honesty was hilarious.
Rest in peace good sir 🙏
It sure was
I was hopeful that make he'd be back calling nba games again. Loved this guy
Walton was such a joyful person. Total class!
Never saw Bill mad at anybody. Good guy.
He was a very friendly person. I met him at a Nashville Predators game and he was so nice to me. It is a sad day.
Bill Walton, without a doubt, was one of the greatest players of all time. His passing leads to a moment of saddening, and he'll be missed. His successful achievements will never be ignored.
I learned so much about basketball and life listening to Mr Walton call games. I will certainly miss him!!!
Man, Big Walt is gone. He is gone children. A true gentlemen of the sport, a great champion, colorful, enigmatic, interesting, and an absolute joy to listen to him call games, as well as watching him when I was a kid. Rest in Peace brother.
May Bill Walton rest in peace, and may each of you and his other loved ones be healed and comforted.
Was fortunate enough to meet Bill on several occasions, he was so respectful and gracious every time. I even have a picture with him at a Grateful Dead concert at Red Rocks. Cool Runnings Big Man, will be thinking of you Saturday when I will celebrate your Light at JRAD at RR!
Going to miss him bringing great energy to the announcers booth. He was always cracking jokes and making us smile.
Bill Walton was one of the greatest college basketball players of All-Time! A Great NBA player as well but injuries hurt his career. He had a lot of adversity that he overcame to become a great broadcaster! Rest In Peace Bill! The Grateful Dead and basketball fans will miss you!
Growing up, Bill Walton was my favorite college basketball player of the 1970’s. Too bad his foot injuries greatly affected his professional career. I truly believe he could have led the Portland Trail Blazers to some more championships.
Indeed!
Rest in Peace Mr. Walton🙏🙏🙏
Used to see him at the farmers market in San Diego. Just a happy go lucky guy. Legend
Rest in peace Bill 🙏🏽🕊️
In his two seasons with the Celtics he won a 6th Man of the Year award, and a second ring. He worked hard like a rookie, contributed wherever he could to an already stacked team(Bird, Parrish, McHale, DJ, and Ainge), and enjoyed every second knowing he’d gotten a great second NBA life. Great times.
A true champion of a human being from the conference of champions as he always called the pac 12. I’ll certainly miss him😢
His UCLA days !! 44 points in a NCAA final.....he was super
Not only that, he only missed one or two shots. He was the greatest, especially when you take note of his passing. Like Bird and Magic, he made everyone else better. People have forgotten.
Back in the day when I was watching the Lakers dynasty, I would end up switching the channel and watching Clippers games on off nights. Walton was a big part of that. Hilarious, a walking flashback. Will never forget him.
I met Bill Walton when I approached him and asked him to dance with my very tall friend. As a long time fan, I knew who he was but my friend didn’t. He danced with us both. sweet, charming, funny
I fell a little in love with him for rescuing two ladies and made an alumnus dinner, a great time. The world is missing a joyous, kind man. I hope he’s dancing with the angels.
A Truly Unique Person 🕊️
Stuart Scott And Bill Walton. Great anchors watching from Paradise together
Bill Walton is a legend
God bless you mr.walton
I met Bill for a brief moment at a club outside of Boston when he was on the Celtics, he was in the corner standing by himself watching the band I went over and shook his hand, a super nice guy!
We lost a legend, kind man
Same here Fam, Throw it down, big man, Throw it down. Rest in Peace Bill 🙏🏿 💯👍🏿😪🫡
Rest in peace hard when people die 🙏
May his family and friends that will miss him have good memories and find some peace & solace
😔
🙏
Rest In Peace Mr. Walton. A rest well deserved. Sad news. Sad news indeed.
A key piece to the Celtics 86 championship. Thank you Bill. Rest easy. Tatum and Brown will bring home the trophy in your honor.
Stephen A's Best Take Ever... IMHO......
He was a great cycling advocate as well.
My sincere condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends 🙏🙏🙏
Best basketball player to ever play the center position. Health/physical limitations kept his career numbers down, but he rebounded like Wilt, scored like Kareem, play D like Akeem the Dream and was the greatest outlet passer of all time.
Rest in Peace Bill, “Throw it down Big Man, Throw it down.”
As a man similar in age to SAS, and who was fortunate to see Big Bill all around 'our' town at events all the time, this impact of losing this cultural icon hits hard.
I remember Bill Walton on Little Nicky movie
"And yes, my hair is on fire!"
Great guy I like him as a person like the way he felt about life
I was watching a documentary a few days ago that included him. Rest in peace Sir Bill.
Rest in Peace...❤
Life is too short people! Live everyday to the fullest and remember you are the only person that matter. Forget about people and everyone. Focus on yourself only! Leave people alone along with all their problems. Again life is too short!
Shocking. He was a joy to listen to.
What a shame...great coach and better mentor and human
Bill Walton COACHES are a big influence to his NBA life. John Wooden and Jack Ramsey are proof
Rest in peace, Bill Walton.
Rest well Big Fella.
God Blessed Bill ! ❤
What? I havnt been hit this hard since Kevin Conroy (voice of Batman) died. He was a staple to the NBA media and color commentary broadcasts. He will be missed💔💔💔
BLESS YOU MR. BILL
One of a kind voice
The "BIG RED HED" has unfortunately passed away, which is so very, very sad, and heartbreaking. He was a very, very great person, and very great basketball player, and sports commentator, and ambassador to the world of Sports, and then some. My belated condolences to his family members, friends, coworkers, teammates (both in college, and in professional NBA), and all of his other loved ones during all of their times of bereavement, mourning, and grieving. IN THE BLESSED, HOLY, AND MOST RIGHTEOUS NAME OF my PEROSNAL LORD, AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST AMEN, AND AMEN.
So sad, loved him with the Celtics.
Only Stephen A can make this moment about himself
facts. dude is so annoying.
A life-long Celtic "Bill Walton"
💔🙏🏾
Dang man !!! Another great one down !!!!
He seems like he really enjoyed life and not a racist bone in his body.
He will be missed and there will never be another 🙏🏽.
While an excellent player he was not a nice person. I watched as he gave grief to Coach Wooden. I was also targeted by Walton's anger.
Still it was a privileged to photograph him at Pauly Pavilion. My understanding is that he became more of a human being latter in life.
Just a sad sad story.
Most professional athletes are self-important, driven by money and have an outsized opinion of their relevance in the universe. But how many wacky & wise athletes speak publicly about the absurdity of life, proudly proclaim their allegiance to jam bands, and speak out and act when an injustice is done? hmmm nobody. To say he's one of a kind may be a cliche but so, so true.
LOSING A GREAT MAN NBA PLAYER JUST A GOOD MAN ACROSS THE BOARD MY CONDOLENCES…
God broke the mold when he made Bill Walton. He will be missed!
Sad day today, hearing of this news. Bill was a legend and a very entertaining analyst. His World knowlege, was awesome. You will be missed Big Fella! And I had the pleasure of meeting his legendary and beloved Coach John Wooden, as I lived right around the corner from him, and would often see him walking in the neighborhood.
"Throwing it Down Big Man"
I watched his entire career at UCLA ,In my opinion the greatest college basketball player EVER! ALCINDOR second.
Now broadcasting won’t be the same with Walton .
I didn't know he was suffering from cancer but I noticed he wasn't announcing pac 12 basketball last year and missed seeing him.
Rest in peace, Bill Walton, whom I looked up .To my namesake my last name is Walton too,prayers for his son Luke and the whole family. Romans 10:9❤
😢😢
Bill Walton was the one to let the world know Arvydas Sabonis couldn’t jump over a postal stamp…..
"Throw it down.. big man".... Bill Walton commentary was LEGENDARY
“What a HORRIBLE call! HORRIBLE!” Loved when Walton was calling a game.
Yessir... I am gonna miss that voice.
😢😭
all i keep hearing is him rn and remembering the NBA on NBC
NBA 2K5
This was the first thing I thought of when I heard the news. Oh, and the time he took his shirt off on live TV lol. Legend on the court and in the booth. Bill will certainly be missed.
A real champion on and off the court.
A death hurts more when the deceased is of such high character, humility, and filled with laughter and joy,. Bill Walton was a diamond in the rough. His commentary brought many smiles and chuckles to me over the years.
Met him at the '96 olympics. As nice as can be. Rest in power big man 🙏🏽😥
My NBA childhood is devastated right now...He was the voice of so many Sat & Sun memories on NBC. Steve "Snapper" Jones, Bill Walton, & Tom Hammond...There will never be a better crew! 😩
What a shame. What a player. Great personality. That 86 Celtic team won the minute they signed him.
Throw it down, big man! 😢
I met Bill at a private event in La Jolla. He treated me with kindness and respect although I’m nobody. He was a true gentleman.
🫂
Ya and I met Micheal Jackson a few weeks ago at a hotel smh shut up liar
Absolutely. One of the best.
Man died and y’all niggas making jokes no you did not meet him
Lol Nobody.
Dude lived life the way it was supposed to be lived! An all timer who will be missed
He’s in Sheol suffering he did wickedness for the elites
@@michaeldeleon8970change your name to say some insane,batsh1t stuff like that. Your name's too close to mine and I don't want to be associated with clinically insane comments. Thank you.
@@michaeldeleon8970 hopefully you go there for disrespecting such a great man. Schedule a dental appointment with a shotgun barrel dickhead
@michaeldeleon8970 let he without sin cast the first stone. Always remember that, bud.
@@michaeldeleon8970 so you reported my comment and got it erased huh? That's ok. I'll say it again. Change your name if you're going to say insane stuff. Your name is too close to mine and I don't want to be associated with clinically insane comments. Thank you.
Rest in peace big Bill 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Going to miss Walton. He was great
Bill walton is the goat for basketball personalities.
Great comment.
And he Loved discussing the game, the history, the players who made it great.
He was a renaissance man if ever there was one.
My wife and I cried when we heard the news. A fine family man and of course all-time great.
Bill Walton, a true basketball legend.
Carried himself with grace, both on and off the court. You will be missed. Rest In Peace, sir.
Bill Walton is to basketball what John Madden is to the NFL One of the greatest in any sport he truly loved what he did God Bless his family and God Bless everyone
Idk bout all that
I agree
That's true. But what made Bill great and different was that there was a world of other things besides basketball. His parents were teachers not much interested in sports.
I think think that honor belongs to Hubie brown, Bill is more Troy aikman with a since of humor.
His intelligence, he shared with us all during his Pac-12 games, will be cherished forever. Throw it down, big man !!
I lived in Portland iin '78 and was listening to the game when Walton injured his foot the first time. The Trailblazers were defending Champs and their record at the time was 50 and 10. It all left that night.
When he had the opportunity, he would play in my husband's Grateful Dead tribute band in San Diego. He was such a nice guy.
That's really cool stuff ..I always loved San Diego as did Bill Walton...
This came unexpectedly... condolences to the Walton family...
Eric Underwood Class of 81 Downey High school California USA ♥️🇺🇲🙏🗽🦅
@@EricUnderwood-v2x both of my parents are from Downey! 😊
@@jillionairess Noway! How cool ✌️
@@jillionairess Bill Walton came across to me as a Coach who cared, like it was when I was growing up...tell your husband I never made it past the parking lot at Long Beach Arena 1986ish... LoL OMG! I did however get the show of a lifetime once... Timothy Leary was in town and I seen the Brunette on the cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine wearing a Vivid Green fish scales dress fly off the cover and over my shoulder and made me duck and say WHOA!
I'm sure coach wouldn't mind that much...hey we were young and we experimented but we cared about home! God bless 🙏🗽♥️🇺🇲
@@EricUnderwood-v2x I only made it to a couple of shows before Jerry passed. I didn’t know much about the Dead at the time but it turned out to be some of the best times I ever had! My husband is having a hard time today. They’re doing a local tv spot in the morning in Bill’s honor. He’s working on “He’s Gone” right now. 😢
I met Bill Walton at a nursing conference. He was more than a guest speaker. We was a wonderful orator and incredibly motivational. I was captivated by his words and he held my attention throughout. God bless this man.
Really dude no you did not meet him
We lost a legend. In and outside the court. Condolences to his family and friends. 🙏