J. Walter Kennedy facts for kids

James Walter Kennedy (born June 8, 1912 – died June 26, 1977) was an American businessman and politician. He is most famous for being the leader, or commissioner, of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He held this important role from 1963 to 1975.

J. Walter Kennedy's Early Life and Career

Growing Up in Stamford, Connecticut

James Walter Kennedy was born in Stamford, Connecticut. His parents were Lottie and Michael Kennedy. When he was young, he got polio. This illness caused him to have a disability. Because of this, he could not play sports himself.

A Lifelong Love for Sports

Even though he couldn't play, Kennedy loved sports very much. His whole life and career were about sports. He became the NBA commissioner in 1963. Kennedy was very talented. He worked as a high school coach, a public relations person, and a politician. In the late 1930s, he coached successful teams. He was also the athletic director at St. Basil's Preparatory School.

Family Life and Education

In 1940, he married Marion McRedmond. They had three children: David, Robert, and Kathleen. Kennedy went to the University of Notre Dame. Later, in the 1940s, he went back to Notre Dame. He became their Sports Information Director.

Working in Basketball and Politics

After Notre Dame, he joined the Basketball Association of America. He was the Public Relations Director there. This league later joined with another to form the NBA. For much of the 1950s, Kennedy traveled the world. He worked with the famous Harlem Globetrotters basketball team. He was their Publicity Director.

He then returned home to Stamford. In 1959, he was elected mayor of the city. After being mayor, the NBA owners chose him as their president in 1963. Today, the sports complex at Westhill High School in Stamford is named after him. It is called the J. Walter Kennedy Sports Complex.

Leading the NBA: Commissioner Kennedy

Taking Charge of the League

J. Walter Kennedy became the NBA's leader after Maurice Podoloff. Podoloff was the first president. Kennedy was friendly but also very strong. He made sure everyone knew his decisions. He quickly showed his authority. For example, he fined Red Auerbach $500 in 1963. This was for bad behavior during a game. At that time, it was the biggest fine ever for a coach or player. In 1967, his job title changed to "commissioner."

Important Decisions and Growth

Kennedy was also the commissioner who approved the first protest in NBA history. This was for the "the Phantom Buzzer Game" in 1969. The Chicago Bulls had filed the protest against the Atlanta Hawks.

When Kennedy became commissioner, the NBA was facing challenges. It only had nine teams. There was no television contract. Not many people were coming to games. There was also competition from another league.

Transforming the NBA's Future

When Kennedy retired in May 1975, the NBA was much stronger. The league had grown to 18 teams. It had also signed a good television contract. Its financial situation was much better. During his time, the league's income went up by 200 percent. The number of people attending games tripled. He started his role as another league was ending. He retired just before the last season of the American Basketball Association.

Connecting with the Basketball Hall of Fame

Walter Kennedy also helped bring an annual NBA game to Springfield. This game helped raise money for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was on the Hall of Fame's Board of Trustees for 13 years. For two of those years, he was the Hall of Fame's President. Kennedy was honored by being inducted into the Hall in 1981.

Community Involvement and Legacy

Kennedy was also involved in many social causes. These included the Special Olympics. He also supported the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Boys' Town of Italy.

The J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award is given out every year. It honors an NBA player or coach. This award is for their great service and dedication to the community. Famous winners include Julius "Dr J" Erving, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Bob Lanier, Reggie Miller, and Glenn "Doc" Rivers.

The End of a Remarkable Life

Kennedy passed away in 1977, shortly after his 65th birthday. Many athletes and important people attended his funeral. These included Connecticut Governor Ella Grasso, Willis Reed, NBA commissioner Larry O'Brien, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver. He was survived by his wife and three children. He is buried at St. John's Cemetery in Stamford, Connecticut.