Reaction throughout the WNBA to the passing of Muhammad Ali

Photo Credit: Corbis

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.

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.

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.



By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)