Larry Bird gave an opportunity to someone whom almost everyone else had written off. In doing what he did, Larry Bird made an assist when most others wouldn’t have passed the ball.
Kevin Mackey was called “The King of Cleveland” after his Vikings skyrocketed to NCAA fame (photo courtesy Cleveland.com)
Forty years ago, coach Kevin Mackey led Cleveland State to one of the most memorable NCAA tournament runs, upsetting then-perennial power Indiana and Bobby Knight in the first round and then St. Joseph’s in the second. They were the first 14th-seed to reach the Sweet Sixteen
Mackey’s squad – a band of underrecruited gems – played at a frenetic pace. Their leader, guard Ken “Mouse” McFadden, was a New York City playground legend who didn’t play in high school. “Mouse” could moonwalk and dribble simultaneously.
Mackey in 2021 (photo courtesy HoopsHD)
In the Sweet Sixteen, Mackey’s Vikings fell to a David Robinson-led Naval Academy, but the future was bright. Plans were put in place for a new arena, and Mackey secured a lucrative contract.
But four years after the historic run, Mackey’s world exploded – by his own hand.
Mackey was arrested outside a reputed drug den. News crews broadcast it, ensuring that Mackey went viral before the term existed. Mackey admitted to abusing cocaine and alcohol. A few days later, a remorseful Mackey stood before his team and asked for forgiveness. Six days following the arrest, Cleveland State fired Mackey, explaining that he had fired himself.
Mackey was “cancelled” before the term existed.
First stop post-cancellation was attending ex-pro John Lucas’s rehabilitation facility in Houston, where Mackey sobered up and decided that he wanted to stay in coaching. The Lakers weren’t exactly calling, so Mackey entered pro basketball Siberia, taking minor-league jobs wherever there was an opportunity, everywhere from Argentina to Atlantic City. He guzzled Diet Cokes, won championships, and became known for his fiery pep talks. By Mackey’s count, dozens of his former minor leaguers made it to the NBA. Mackey was delivering inspiration to his players, as well as himself.
Larry Bird as an NBA executive (photo courtesy The Denver Post)
In 2004, Mackey finally got his call. Bird, who of course went on to an incredible career at Indiana State, believes in second chances. For 18 years, Mackey scouted for the Pacers before retiring in 2021.
The storyline here is this: Cancelling is often easy, but forgiveness often isn’t. Larry Bird gave an opportunity to someone whom almost everyone had written off.
The irony is that perhaps Bird’s greatest assist–an achievement that would have made headlines otherwise–flew under the radar, out of public sight.
Sadly, Mackey passed away this past November at the age of 79.
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Jon Hart is the author of Man versus Ball: One Ordinary Guy and His Extraordinary Sports Adventures and its undeserved sequel, Unfortunately, I was available.
I remember this. My husband talked about it. Sad to hear.