Sport in Society Mourns the Loss of Hall of Fame Inductee Arnold "Red" Auerbach

(11-2-06) BOSTON, Mass. � Arnold �Red� Auerbach�s impact on sport will live on long after his passing. His coaching legacy with the Boston Celtics remains unmatched, but it was his inclusive hiring practices that have made the largest impact. Known for his brash style, Auerbach challenged the NBA establishment and made significant changes in race relations in Boston. He was the first NBA coach to start five African-American players and the first to hire an African-American coach.

In 1995 the Center for the Study of Sport in Society inducted Auerbach into the True Heroes of Sport Hall of Fame.

�He is a legacy. We were beyond honored to induct him into our hall of fame, not because of his success on the court, but for his color blind decisions when choosing his players and his coaches,� said Peter Roby, director of Sport in Society.

Sport in Society has also worked closely with the Red Auerbach Youth Foundation on a little known passion of Auerbach�s, double dutch. As co-sponsors of the Double Dutch League of Massachusetts, Sport in Society and the RAYF have provided opportunity and a framework for thousands of Massachusetts youth to be involved in double dutch as an organized sport.

Auerbach retired as the winningest coach in NBA history with 938 victories in his 20-year career, the last 16 with the Celtics. Boston fans reveled when Auerbach lit a cigar to signify that another victory was secure. Auerbach played a pioneering role in race relations in the NBA. He didn�t see black or white players on the court; he just saw players who could help him win. In 1950 he became the first to draft an African American: Chuck Cooper, a second-team All-American from Duquesne, in the second round.

�Red truly epitomized Sport in Society�s values of diversity, leadership, teamwork, and inclusion,� said Roby. �Throughout his career he broke down racial barriers and helped to create a lasting change in the NBA and Boston. He is sadly missed�

About the Center for the Study of Sport in Society
The Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University is one of the world�s leading social justice organizations that use sport to create social change both nationally and internationally. The flagship organization located in the heart of Boston, Mass. was founded in 1984 by Dr. Richard Lapchick. Through research, education, and advocacy the center promotes physical activity, health, violence prevention, and diversity among young people and college and professional athletes. Sport in Society�s innovative programs are all staffed by former college or professional athletes and have been awarded America�s most successful violence prevention program by Lou Harris, the Peter F. Drucker Award as the most innovative non-profit program in the social sector, and most recently was recognized by the Boston Red Sox for its dedication and service to the community. Visit Sport in Society at www.sportinsociety.org.