Trump Awards Medal of Freedom to NBA Star Bob Cousy
By Associated Press
Published 5 years ago on
August 23, 2019
Share
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump presented 91-year-old basketball legend Bob Cousy with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Thursday, praising the Boston Celtics star as “one of the all-time greats in the history of sports.”
“This acknowledgment allows me to complete my life circle. I can stop chasing a bouncing ball. The Presidential Medal of Freedom allows me to reach a level of acceptance in our society I never once ever dreamed of.” — Bob Cousy
Cousy played for the Celtics from 1950 to 1963, winning six league championships and the 1957 MVP title. The Bob Cousy Award, given to the country’s best point guard in men’s college basketball, is named for him. He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and played a pivotal role in founding the NBA Player’s Association.After hanging up his No. 14 jersey, the 13-time NBA All-Star went on to coach basketball at Boston College.
“This acknowledgment allows me to complete my life circle,” Cousy said during the Oval Office awards ceremony. “I can stop chasing a bouncing ball. The Presidential Medal of Freedom allows me to reach a level of acceptance in our society I never once ever dreamed of.”
Trump spoke of Cousy’s childhood during the Great Depression and discovering his talent for basketball at a young age. The president said Cousy never forgot his first mentor’s advice to never be predictable, and jokingly added: “Hey, I’ve heard that lesson, too.”
The president recognized Cousy’s achievements on and off the court, lauding his support for underprivileged young athletes and speaking out against racism.
Cousy Is the Second Medal of Freedom Recipient This Year
Cousy, who is white, ardently supported his black teammates who faced discrimination during the civil rights movement. Still, Cousy lamented in Gary Pomerantz’s biography “The Last Pass: Cousy, Russell, the Celtics, and What Matters in the End,” that he didn’t do more for his black teammates, including 2011 Medal of Freedom recipient Bill Russell.
“I know in your world, you’re well on your way to making America great again. In my world, it’s been great for 91 years. Only in America could my story have been told.” — Bob Cousy
The Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, celebrates individuals for their “especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the U.S., to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”Trump credited West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin for suggesting the medal be given to Cousy.
Cousy is the second Medal of Freedom recipient this year. Trump presented the award to golfer Tiger Woods in May.
Cousy is the 10th honoree under Trump, who is Cousy’s candidate of choice in the 2020 presidential election.
In a recent interview with NBA.com, Cousy described himself as politically moderate. He said that although he disagrees with some of the president’s actions, he plans to vote for Trump next year.
During the award ceremony, Cousy said the medal was made all the more special because it had been presented by the “most extraordinary” president in his lifetime.
“I know in your world, you’re well on your way to making America great again,” Cousy told the president. “In my world, it’s been great for 91 years. Only in America could my story have been told.”
Trump’s Potential VP Pick Boasts About Executing Puppy
Politics /
1 day ago
Trita Parsi: Blind Support for Israel Erodes Western Democracies
Opinion /
1 day ago
Fresno Trash Hauler’s Response to Overpayments: We Followed the City’s Rules
Politics /
1 day ago
Which Six QBs Were Selected in the Top 12 of the NFL Draft?
Sports /
1 day ago
Nuggets Close to Sweeping Lakers After Game 3 Win
Sports /
1 day ago
Jose Ramirez: ‘I Want to Make a Statement and Put on a Show’
Sports /
1 day ago
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 6 Shutout Innings Help Dodgers Finish Sweep, Defeat Nats 2-1
Sports /
2 days ago
The 49ers Add Florida Receiver Ricky Pearsall With the 30th Draft Pick
Sports /
2 days ago
Political Stunt, Egg on His Face, Personal Vendetta. Who’s Fresno DA Talking About?
Politics /
2 days ago
California Legislation Wants to Uncover the ‘Hidden Homicides’ of Domestic Violence
A state senator says there’s a “hidden homicide” epidemic of killers making domestic violence murders look like suicides or accidents. Her b...
Crime /
21 hours ago
Categories
Latest
Videos
Crime /
21 hours ago
California Legislation Wants to Uncover the ‘Hidden Homicides’ of Domestic Violence
Politics /
1 day ago
Fresno Oops? Garbage Hike Protest Vote Delayed by Error
Politics /
1 day ago
Trump’s Potential VP Pick Boasts About Executing Puppy
Opinion /
1 day ago
Trita Parsi: Blind Support for Israel Erodes Western Democracies
Politics /
1 day ago
Fresno Trash Hauler’s Response to Overpayments: We Followed the City’s Rules
Sports /
1 day ago
Which Six QBs Were Selected in the Top 12 of the NFL Draft?
Sports /
1 day ago