Rhymin' & Stealin'

Today is truly a sad day for basketball fans, aspiring announcers, UCLA alumni, hippies, dead heads and red heads. Due to constant back issues that have required multiple surgeries, kept him from the broadcasting booth over the past couple seasons and generally cause him to walk like Frankenstein, Bill Walton has decided to retire from ESPN and broadcasting all together. Bill had this to say, in typical Bill Walton-speak:

“As I return after a grueling multi-year, life-threatening, life-changing ordeal with back problems, it is time to dedicate the rest of my life to service” (via Sports Business Daily)

I am a huge Bill Walton fan. His hyperbole and ability to compare basketball with renaissance art is unparalleled. You could always count on Bill to say something that would make you laugh, scratch your head or both, and no one can knock him for his unbelievable contribution to the game as one of the most prolific and skilled big men ever. Much like we did for John Madden upon his retirement, R&S has put together some of the best clips we could find featuring Big Red. Enjoy.

Frank Caliendo’s Bill Walton Impression

Bill Being Bill

Bill Walton vs. Will Ferrel

Bill Walton talking MJ, Bird and Trail Blazers with Bob Costas

Incredible Highlight Reel