[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E135]]



  RECOGNIZING OSCAR ROBERTSON, NBA ALL-STAR LEGEND AND SOCIAL ACTIVIST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2024

  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Oscar Robertson, 
who will be honored in Indianapolis for the 2024 National Basketball 
Association All-Star Game.
  Basketball legend Oscar Robertson, affectionately known as the ``Big 
O,'' is well-known for his unparalleled athletic skills, versatility, 
and impressive career. He is equally respected as a trailblazer who 
helped pave the way for Americans facing racism, unfair institutions, 
and mistreatment in a segregated world, as he boldly revolutionized the 
sport of basketball.
  Born in Tennessee but nurtured in Indianapolis, the achievements of 
his high school career at Crispus Attucks marked the beginning of a 
successful athletic journey. His NBA career spanned 14 years as a point 
guard. He was the first to win National College Player of the Year 
three times and was an Olympian at the 1960 Summer Olympics as co-
captain of the U.S. Gold Medal team. He also received the NBA All-Star 
Most Valuable Player award three times, was an All-Star Player for 12 
consecutive years, and was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 
1980. During his career, he was the first to average a triple double 
for an entire season.
  Mr. Robertson's leadership had a lasting impact on and off the court, 
making his way in the world as an advocate and a humanitarian. An 
antitrust settlement while he was President of the NBA Players 
Association helped reform the free agency of NBA athletes through the 
Oscar Robertson Rule. He continues to be a force for change in policies 
that positively affect minorities and all Americans. If basketball is 
synonymous with Indiana, then Mr. Robertson has an undeniable place in 
our state's history. Mr. Robertson is recognized as a gentleman of his 
day, one who achieved great things with strategic actions and 
diplomacy.
  Today, as we celebrate Black History Month, and as Hoosiers celebrate 
the NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, I ask my colleagues to join me 
in honoring Oscar Robertson for his athleticism and advocacy. His 
legacy endures in the NBA and Indianapolis, both forever changed 
because of his contributions, and his enduring fight for civil rights 
for all.

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