Van Lier and Kerr Pass On
Odd as far as coincidences go, but two Bulls legends pass away on the same day:
- He was a high school and college basketball great, an NBA champion and an All-Star, a front-office executive and a respected broadcaster, but Johnny Kerr, who died tonight at 76 after a long battle with prostate cancer, always will be known as a Chicago Bull.
Perhaps the best ambassador the Bulls will ever have, Kerr's nickname, "Red" -- for his hair color -- couldn't have been more appropriate. In many ways, Kerr was Mr. Bull: the first coach in franchise history, NBA Coach of the Year that 1966-67 season, later the club's business manager and finally its television and radio analyst for 33 years. - Norm Van Lier, one of the most popular players in Bulls history, was found dead in his Chicago apartment today. He was 61.
The cause of death was not released, pending a report by the Cook County medical examiner's office.
Van Lier had been working as a Bulls analyst for ComcastSportsnet Chicago after 10-year playing career.
RIP gentlemen.
Labels: sports
posted by SCC at 12:01 AM
18 Comments:
James Ward passed away too - The hungry hound.
wow, i knew about van lier but not kerr. i can't believe it because they were both on tv a few days ago and didn't seem anywhere near death - though they did look it...
2 chicago class acts..RIP gents..bulls had a very nice tribute to johnny red kerr a few weeks back if you didnt catch it check it out on you tube
Van Lier was a class act. While working the traffic details @ the United Center he always made it a pint to say hello to the Officers on their posts & thank them for being there.
Rare commodity nowadays, God Speed.
Rest In Peace.They were classy guys and were always friendly to everyone they met.No prima donna bullshit.They will be missed.
Every time I see that narcissistic, self-absorbed LeBron James tossing powdered chalk up in the air as part of his pre-game ritual, I think of how MJ used to deviously sneak up and clap his chalkie hands in front of broadcaster Johnny Red, dusting Johnny's broadcast table. It was a running joke between MJ and Johnny Kerr and I know Kerr took great joy in this little personal interaction between the two.
I've always felt LeBron has been a second class MJ copycat since day one in the NBA, including his copycat chalk toss.
Interestingly, in re-reading the above, I have a vision of MJ walking with chalk outlines at the end of his wrists instead of hands!
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RIP Kerr and Van Lier. Chicago thanks you.
James Ward passed away too - The hungry hound.
2/27/2009 12:02:00 AM
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No the hungry hound is still alive. You're thinking of Steve Dolinsky from chann 7.
What an amazing coincidence. Both AWESOME guys. I'll miss them both. They say Bulls in my opinion. God Bless you both!
Its hard to watch the old highlights of both men on tv and not miss the old days. The days when the bulls were good, and the players werent arrogant assholes and ghetto like they are today! I always was a huge RED KERR fan and will miss seeing and hearing him. van lier was a bit more shocking as he was still doing the games, both will be missed. Seems everything from the good old days are leaving us!!!
Is it going to take the slaughter of "Bennie the Bull" to make our Department realize that we have a serial killer on our hands? Anyone seen Rodman? Wake up People!
Van Lier was one of my favorite athletes/personalities. You don't see classy guys like him in sports today. RIP to both of them.
Well, that's to bad.
I'm still trying to figure out why Van Lier wasn't invited onto the court during Kerr's tribute.
Bad blood with Bulls management?
Not trying to be a jag, but didn't Norm Van Lier punch and injure some firefighter in the lobby of his condo while he was drunk? And then he won a lawsuit against the fireman?
James Ward passed away too - The hungry hound.
2/27/2009 12:02:00 AM
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No the hungry hound is still alive. You're thinking of Steve Dolinsky from chann 7.
2/27/2009 11:35:00 AM
JIMMY WENT TO THE GREAT BREAD & CIRCUSES IN THE SKY.
2/27/2009 07:19:00 PM
You are correct, sir.
Anonymous said...
James Ward passed away too.
2/27/2009 12:02:00 AM
JIMMY WENT TO THE GREAT BREAD & CIRCUSES IN THE SKY.
2/28/2009 01:00:00 AM
CHOW CHOW FOR NOW, JAMES WARD !
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