While College of the Holy Cross alumnus Bob Cousy ’50 is well-known for his skills on the basketball court, a recent Telegram & Gazette column highlights the former point guard’s “lesser-known actions off the court.”
“Many folks are unaware that, while the Boston Celtics star was dazzling fans with his footwork and behind-the-back passes, he was also standing up against racism in the NBA, supporting his African-American teammates and organizing the first players' union,” Diane Williamson wrote in her July 3 column. “Now 87 and living on Salisbury Street, he has quietly supported local humanitarian efforts for years.”
The column advocates for Cousy to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an award established in 1945 to “recognize notable service by civilians during World War II,” which then later expanded to people who contributed to world peace and other public or private endeavors.
"Bob is so much more than a great basketball player," said P. Kevin Condron ’67, longtime friend of Cousy, in the article. "He's done so much work for social justice issues, for helping to break the color barrier with the Celtics. The money he raises for charities? The list is enormous. He never does it for any publicity, just to do the right thing the right way. He reflects the great values of Jesuit ideals and service to others."
Williamson writes, Cousy is an American who exemplifies the values we cherish. “Bob Cousy is, quite simply, a national treasure. He deserves this prestigious honor.”
For the past two years, Holy Cross has sponsored The Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award, which is given by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to the top point guards in men’s Division I college basketball.
Read the full article on the Telegram & Gazette’s website.
Related Information:
- Kentucky’s Tyler Ulis Wins Bob Cousy Award Sponsored by Holy Cross
- Legendary Career of Bob Cousy ’50 highlighted in CBS Sports Video
- Holy Cross Partners with Basketball Hall of Fame to Sponsor Bob Cousy Award
This “Holy Cross in the News” item is by Jessica Kennedy.
