'He's dead, I didn't kill him': Boston radio host makes questionable Bill Walton comments following his death
Hall of Famer Bill Walton died this week at 71 after a long bout with cancer. While the tributes and memories served to comfort many fans and Walton's peers in the wake of his death, Fred Toucher went the opposite route. Rather than pay tribute to the Hall of Famer, he made jokes while taking aim at him for a past interaction.
Years ago, when Bill Walton's son Luke Walton, helped the LA Lakers defeat the Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals, the Hall of Famer called up Fred Toucher's show. Frustrated with the former Boston Celtics player rooting against the team in favor of his son and the Lakers, Toucher hung up on Walton.
In the wake of the Hall of Famer's death this week, a fan called up the show and requested that Toucher replay the clip. His co-host tried to brush past the request, but Toucher took the bait, taking aim at the Hall of Famer with some jokes and a distasteful comment.
"I don’t know, why not? It happened. “He called in and was acting a fool about his son on the Lakers. 'Oh you know, first of all you gotta buy a Jeep Wrangler.' While he was selling cars, like, make up your mind ya phony hippie. Are you really selling cars or are you all about peace and love?"
"Just go ahead. He’s dead. I didn’t kill him. Go ahead, play it.”
NBA community pays tribute to Bill Walton
While Fred Toucher's tribute to Bill Walton was anything but commemorative, the basketball community shared numerous heartfelt tributes. As an NCAA legend, two-time NBA champion and broadcaster, Walton's legacy extended beyond just the NBA.
On the NBA Western Conference finals broadcast, Charles Barkley paid tribute to the 1977 Finals MVP. As he explained, the world was a worse place today than it was when Walton was around.
“You talk about great at basketball, great at life, great as a broadcaster but just a good person. I’ve never seen a person who was more joyful to be around, who was always in a good mood."
Fellow Hall of Famer Larry Bird, who won a championship with Bill Walton in Boston, also paid tribute to his former teammate and longtime friend.
As someone who grew up watching Walton play in the 7'0s before making it to the league himself and winning a title alongside the big man, he offered a unique perspective.
Others such as Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, who won a title with Walton in Boston in 1986, shared memories of his generosity. As Carlisle recalled while speaking to media members, Walton hooked him and his future wife up with the Grateful Dead experience of a lifetime for their first date.
While Walton is no longer with us, it's clear that his legacy has left an indelible mark on the basketball community as a whole, and will live on in those whose lives he impacted.