This past weekend, one of the most influential figures in sports, as well as American, history left us as Muhammad Ali passed away at the age of 74.
“The Greatest” was a man that transcended the realms of sports and was well-recognized not only for his success as a great boxer, but also for his work and activism outside the ring. His boisterousness made him beloved in his community and as well as inside and outside sporting circles, but also made him an object of controversy.
The news reverberated throughout the sporting realm, including in the WNBA.
The great Muhammad Ali attended Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals back in ’09. #RIPAli pic.twitter.com/XSVAyjUumB
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 4, 2016
Thank you for inspiring us, @MuhammadAli! You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Y6ry9kXQwn
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) June 4, 2016
We are saddened by the loss of Muhammad Ali, thank you for inspiring athletes in and out of the ring. #RWTD pic.twitter.com/ONGevQNtbB
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) June 4, 2016
My hearts heavy! #MuhammadAli life& legacy NEEDS to be an example for athletes today especially in our black community! ? The Greatest! ??
— Swin Cash (@SwinCash) June 4, 2016
So sad to hear about Muhammad Ali ? So influential in every aspect of our lives. Prayers up to his family. #TheGreatest #RIPMuhammadAli
— Tamika Catchings (@Catchin24) June 4, 2016
Thank you Muhammad Ali for everything you gave this world! All the fight and courage!
You… https://t.co/uMZUECjTCG— Angel McCoughtry (@angel_35) June 4, 2016
You’re great,if you dont believe it, no one else will.Never take a back seat to no one.Remember,I said I was great before I knew I was. -Ali
— Imani Boyette (@ImaniBoyette) June 4, 2016
How Ali and his family have impacted the WNBA over the years
Many current as well as former WNBA figures have been impacted by Ali over the years. As mentioned above, during the 2009 WNBA Western Conference Finals, he attended Game 2. That year, the Phoenix Mercury and the Los Angeles Sparks participated.
The Mercury defeated the Sparks that year en route to winning the WNBA Finals.
In 1984, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. In January of 2012, the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation announced Ivory Latta, who was playing for the then-Tulsa Shock at the time, as an ambassador for PDF Champions which aims to raise awareness and funds at the grassroots level.
In addition, she mentioned how the ailment has affected her own family.
My father and grandmother live with Parkinson’s, so I have seen, first-hand, the effects that Parkinson’s can have on an individual and a family. This experience drives me to help other families touched by the disease.
Latta said this per a 2012 press release.
The WNBA’s work with the Ali family also extends to his daughter, Laila. She and Lisa Leslie attended the 2013 BET Experience in Los Angeles. She also helped promote the WNBA’s 15th season in 2011.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlQd-TjP2RQ
Nancy Lieberman, basketball Hall of Famer and current Sacramento Kings assistant coach was particularly close to Muhammad Ali. They first met in 1979 at an appearance in New York for former Olympians. That led to long and sustained friendship between “The Greatest” and “Lady Magic.”
One of the calls she made after being hired at the Kings was to Ali. The Sacramento Bee has reported Lieberman has cleared her schedule to attend Ali’s funeral in Louisville.
Muhammad Ali was love, kindness and caring. 3 months ago he sent my mom flowers n a book when she was in the hospital.The man changed lives.
— Nancy Lieberman (@NancyLieberman) June 4, 2016
— Nancy Lieberman (@NancyLieberman) June 4, 2016
By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)
