Bill Walton: 1952 - 2024

One of the greats.

Bill Walton passed on today after a fight with cancer. 

www.washingtonpost.com/...

A basketball great with a long and accomplished career, from UCLA during the John Wooden days to many amazing moments in the NBA, he was a unique character with his combination of enthusiasm and all-around skill.  His place in the NBA Hall of Fame is well-deserved.  I remember watching him play in college at my alma mater.  This was the height of the glory years for the Bruins, and he led us to two NCAA titles.

For DKOS readers, it is worth noting that Walton was one of the early pioneers among athletes in supporting progressive causes.  The Nation lays much of that history out here:

www.thenation.com/…

Arrested for protesting the Vietnam War, Walton went out on a limb for an athlete at the time, particularly a white athlete, using his platform to advocate for civil rights and worker’s rights.

Rest in peace, Bill.