It happened on national TV during the 1981 NBA Finals. Two of the announcers were Rick Barry and Bill Russell. When asked who was in a photo passed to Barry, Rick responded, "I don't know. Looks like some fool over there (referring to Russ) with the watermelon grin on. Russell repeatedly indicated the photo was of KC Jones, but Barry would have none of it.
— Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) September 24, 2021
Worth watching. Russ vs. Rick Barry! The "fool with the watermelon grin" wasn't Bill. It was Barry. Don't believe it was racial, but the two didn't get along. Russ was clearly pissed.
Rick Barry - Watermelon Grin https://t.co/NrUSkzrwZH via @YouTube
Bill responded with, "That was K. C. That wasn't me. That was K. C." Then Barry tried to pass the photo to Bill, and Russ wanted none of that either. "No. I don't want them" is how Russell responded, clearly pissed, but still maintaining that aura of class and composure. Although I think that Bill may have wanted to respond in a more-powerful manner.
Rick Barry was one of the best-passing forwards in NBA history, but he failed to complete the pass of photos to Big Bill who was seated next to him. Amazing composure by Russ.
Bill is Mr. Class
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