Bob Cousy reflects on race and Chuck Cooper in Celtics history
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 11, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Jul 11, 2026
Bob Cousy shared insights on his friendship with Chuck Cooper, the first Black player drafted by the Boston Celtics, during a recent discussion with NBC Sports Boston. Cousy expressed regret for not supporting his Black teammates more during the civil rights challenges of his playing era. He acknowledged the discrimination Cooper faced and emphasized his commitment to standing by him at that time. The conversation was part of a segment produced by the Chuck Cooper Foundation, highlighting the importance of their shared history amidst racial tensions in sports.
- •Cousy regrets not supporting Black teammates more during civil rights era.
- •He was a close friend of Chuck Cooper, the Celtics' first Black player.
- •The discussion aired as part of a Chuck Cooper Foundation segment.
- •Cousy addressed racial discrimination faced by Cooper during their era.
- •The interview highlights historical challenges in the NBA.
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Bob Cousy on fighting racism, playing with Chuck Cooper on the Boston Celtics
"Cooz (as Cousy was often called for a nickname) had Cooper's back when the ugly face of racism reared in their day.
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