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NBA Icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Attends Jackie Robinson Day in Wheelchair
Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, aged 78, surprised fans when he arrived in a wheelchair at Tuesday’s Jackie Robinson Day celebrations. The appearance of the towering 7-foot-2 Hall of Famer, honoring his UCLA legacy, sparked reactions among onlookers at Chavez Ravine.
Wheelchair Use After Hip Surgery
While the NBA’s second all-time leading scorer is reportedly capable of walking and standing, needing a wheelchair fifteen months following successful hip surgery raised concerns. Fans expressed a range of emotions upon witnessing Abdul-Jabbar’s condition.
Fan Reactions and Online Comments
Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with reactions from fans. One user commented, ‘Tough to see the big fella in rough shape but glad he’s still with us,’ reflecting a sentiment of concern and appreciation. Some fans made lighthearted references to Abdul-Jabbar’s role in the film ‘Airplane,’ but the primary focus remained on his wheelchair use and apparent age.
Sentiments of Admiration and Reflection
Another fan wrote, ‘Sad seeing Kareem getting old,’ highlighting a shared feeling of nostalgia and the passage of time. Despite these observations, Abdul-Jabbar himself displayed a positive attitude at the event.
Honoring Jackie Robinson’s Legacy
The celebrated athlete was not focused on personal discomfort but rather on commemorating the 78th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s historic breaking of baseball’s color barrier. As a native of New York City and a lifelong Brooklyn Dodgers supporter, the occasion held special significance for Abdul-Jabbar.
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Abdul-Jabbar’s Speech on Robinson’s Impact
Addressing members of both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies teams, Abdul-Jabbar reminisced about his childhood in Manhattan and his unwavering support for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He recounted childhood rivalries, stating, ‘I’d get in fights with people from the Giants, the Yankees, pretty often, but I kept my cap on and nobody was able to knock it off. I was so tall.’
UCLA Connection and Robinson’s Enduring Influence
Abdul-Jabbar, who followed in Robinson’s footsteps by attending UCLA where the baseball pioneer also played basketball and football, has become a respected authority on Robinson’s life and impact. He emphasized Robinson’s values, stating, ‘He meant excellence, giving your all, giving your best, and for all the detractors that are out there, just ignore them and keep on.’
League-Wide Tribute to Robinson
In accordance with Major League Baseball tradition, all players participating on Jackie Robinson Day proudly wore the number 42, Robinson’s jersey number, during their respective games, further honoring his lasting contribution to the sport.