Gone But Not Forgotten - Part 111

This is the final edition of a series discussing sports figures who passed away in 2024. Part one covered Texas Rangers; Part two, other baseball players. Today we will remember some notables from other sports.

Jerry West - Literally the Face of the NBA, West’s silhouette is the model for the League’s iconic logo. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame three times, as a player, a Olympian, and as an executive. His front office work for the Lakers, Warriors, and Clippers was instrumental in each team’s success. His basketball accomplishments are too lengthy for this column ; He even was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.

Bill Walton - Is remembered as a colorful character, a vegetarian, Grateful Dead enthusiast, the world’s tallest hippie who delivered outrageous commentary on basketball games and dozens of other subjects. He won two championships at UCLA and two NBA titles, with Portland and Boston. “Big Red” had the best statistics ever in an NCAA title game, scoring 44 points on 21 for 22 shooting. The points and the shooting percentage are records that still stand. He also had 4 baskets disallowed in the game because they were ruled dunks, which were illegal in college and high school basketball from 1967-1973.

O J Simpson - A story with a sad finish. The Juice was one of the best running backs ever, and became an actor in movies and Hertz commercials. Seemingly had it all, but spiraled into crime, with a controversial acquittal in the murder of his wife and a conviction for assault, kidnapping and armed robbery in an attempt to recover sports memorabilia. Served nine years in a Nevada prison and was paroled in 2017. You may or may not remember any of his great runs, but I’ll bet you remember his 90 minute “run” in a Ford Bronco in LA.

Dikembe Mutombo - one of the most respected players in the NBA, he popularized the “finger wag” which said “Oh no you don’t!” . It was almost an honor to get your shot blocked by Dikembe.

Carl Weathers - You may not recall his professional football career, but you certainly remember his roles as Apollo Creed in the Rocky films and as Chubbs Peterson in Happy Gilmore.

Duane Thomas - A tremendous talent who had a different sort of personality. Had one of the best Super Bowl quotes ever. When asked about playing in the “ultimate game” Thomas responded “If it’s the ultimate game, how come they’re playing it again next year?”

Larry Allen - Hall of Fame offensive linemen for the Cowboys.

Golden Richards - With his “Prince Valiant” hair and blazing speed, he was a Dallas fan favorite.

Roman Gabriel - The first Filipino-American quarterback in the NFL threw a football 85 yards in the air for pro scouts, and still holds the record for most career touchdown passes by a Los Angeles Ram.

Mercury Morris - Dynamic running back and receiver for the only undefeated team in the NFL - the ‘72 Dolphins.

Chi Chi Rodriguez - The Puerto Rican golfer was quite the showman. After making a putt he would treat his putter like a sword, “wiping the blood off”, twirling it in the air and plunging it into the bag. He also was known for throwing his cap over the hole after he putted to “keep the ball from jumping out”.

I hope you’ve enjoyed sharing stories of these who created so many memories for us.

That’s one man’s opinion - What’s yours?