Debbie Schlussel: Chuck Daly: Pray For One of Sports' Classiest Coaches
As kids, my little brother and I were always big fans of Chuck Daly. We are twelve years apart and we had, among other things, our fandom of the Detroit Pistons in common. The legendary Detroit Pistons head coach--who led the Pistons "Bad Boys" to two back-to-back NBA championshipa--was always a nice guy and class act, in an industry filled with headcases, including on the coaching side. And he also coached the U.S. Olympic Basketball Team known as "The Dream Team" to win the Gold Medal.
Today, we learned that this true gentleman has been stricken with pancreatic cancer, the cancer which is quickly fatal for all but 5% of cases. As readers know, I lost someone near and dear to me to this horrible disease from which few live past five years and most live only months after diagnosis.
Chuck Daly was a coaches' coach, with old-fashioned values you don't much see in today's pro coaches. When my brother and I met him in various settings, he was always down to earth and kind. And remember, this is the guy who had to simultaneously deal with the egos of Dennis Rodman, John Salley, and Isiah Thomas. (Yes, Bill Laimbeer played for him, too, but he wasn't a problem child, just a "Bad Boy" who played his role.)
Sadly, Chuck Daly is apparently in Stage Four of the cancer. But you never know. Sometimes, miracles happen.
I pray for Chuck Daly's recovery and hope that he is comforted and does not suffer.
I've met few nicer, classier people in pro sports (and I used to be a sports agent, so I've met many).
Chuck Daly is the walking definition of a mensch, and I wish him much energy and strength in this fight for his life.
Posted by Debbie on March 6, 2009 05:05 PM to Debbie Schlussel