It was once stated by Larry Bird that he didn’t want a white man to guard….
Over the years, the Boston Celtics have been home to some of the most recognizable superstars. However, even in that list, Larry Bird’s name undoubtedly stands out on top. Among the most recognizable players of his era was Bird.
In his prime, he squared off against Magic Johnson, giving fans one of the greatest rivalries in NBA history. In addition to his extraordinary basketball skills, Bird also had a gift for insulting people.
He was known for being a fantastic trash talker who could win opponents over with a few well-placed blows. While fans will always remember many of Bird’s famous sayings, one phrase in particular sticks out.
Bird once expressed his belief that the NBA needed more white superstars in an old interview. However, he also mentioned that, even in his prime, he felt denigrated by a white man who was watching over him.
“Well, that seems likely to me. As you may recall, I was a player in the league along with Kevin [McHale] and a few others. Since most of the fans are white Americans, as we all know, I believe it will benefit the fan base. Additionally, you might arouse the curiosity of a few white guys if you were alone with them. However, this is and always will be a game played by black people. After all, African Americans are the world’s best athletes.
“When I was an NBA player, the one thing that constantly disturbed me was when they put a white guy on me; it really got to me. I’m still baffled by why. I would usually ask a white guy who came out, “What, do you have a problem with your coach?” Were you abused by your coach? I would say, “Come on, you got a white guy coming out here to guard me; you got no chance,” and he would respond, “No.” That always troubled me, for whatever reason, when I was playing against a white guy.
“I didn’t care who defended me when I was playing—red, yellow, or black. All I wanted was for a white man to be my guardian. Since it’s an insult to my game.”
It wasn’t the first time Bird had discussed it in public. The Philadelphia 76ers once put a white guy on Bird, and NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley famously said that Bird was swearing under his breath at the incident.
It was because of these tales about him that followers dubbed him “Larry Legend.” He truly does live up to that incredible moniker. A true legend in the sport, both for his basketball prowess and his vocal abilities.
