Walter Kennedy (basketball)
| J. Walter Kennedy | |
|---|---|
| 2nd Commissioner of the NBA | |
|
In office 1963–1975 |
|
| Preceded by | Maurice Podoloff |
| Succeeded by | Larry O'Brien |
| Mayor of Stamford, Connecticut | |
|
In office 1960–1963 |
|
| Preceded by | Conrad J. Engelke |
| Succeeded by | William F. Hickey |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Walter Kennedy June 8, 1912 Stamford, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Died | June 26, 1977 (aged 65) Stamford, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Resting place | St. Michaels Cemetery, Springfield, Massachusetts, United States |
| Spouse(s) | Marion McRedmond |
| Children | David, 2 others |
| Alma mater | University of Notre Dame |
| Profession |
Politician Sports administrator |
James Walter Kennedy (June 8, 1912 – June 26, 1977) was the commissioner of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1963 until 1975. He is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Walter J. Kennedy.
James Walter Kennedy was born in Stamford, Connecticut to Lottie and Michael Kennedy. He was stricken with polio early in life, which left him with a disability and therefore unable to compete in sports. Nonetheless, he was an avid fan and his entire life and career were devoted to sports, reaching a pinnacle as the NBA commissioner in 1963. A multi-talented individual, Kennedy worked as a high school coach, public relations man and politician. In the late 1930s, he coached highly successful teams and was athletic director at St. Basil's Preparatory School in Stamford.
He married Marion McRedmond in 1940 with whom he had three children: David, Robert and Kathleen.
In the 1940s, he returned to Notre Dame, his alma mater, to become its Sports Information Director. He then moved on to the Basketball Association of America as the Public Relations Director, just as the league was merged with the National Basketball League to form the National Basketball Association.
During much of the 1950s, J. Walter Kennedy toured the world with the Harlem Globetrotters as the Publicity Director. He returned home to Stamford and was elected mayor in 1959 before the NBA owners elected him president in 1963. The sports complex at Westhill High School in Stamford is named the J. Walter Kennedy Sports Complex.
Succeeding the likable first president Maurice Podoloff, approachable Kennedy became an iron-handed executive and let everyone know precisely where he stood on issues. Kennedy quickly exerted his authority, slapping Red Auerbach with a $500 fine for rowdy conduct during a pre-season 1963 game. At the time, it was the largest fine ever levied against a coach or player in the NBA. His title was changed to "commissioner" in 1967.
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