University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Abdul-Jabbar Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
November 22, 2016 | Men's Basketball
UCLA graduate and iconic basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was among 21 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday afternoon.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
President Obama announced the 21 recipients on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
Abdul-Jabbar starred on the varsity team at UCLA from 1967-69, helping lead the Bruins to three consecutive NCAA titles. Elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in1995, he helped UCLA compile an overall record of 88-2 in three seasons and was the only player ever selected Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four three times.
Congrats Cap!
— UCLA Athletics (@UCLAAthletics) November 22, 2016
Today @kaj33 received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. #GoBruins @uclambb @ucla @UCLA_Alumni pic.twitter.com/X7JXT0oKLs
A standout in the NBA, Abdul-Jabbar is the league's all-time leading scorer, having played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers from 1970 through 1989. He led the Lakers to five championships and the Bucks to another. Abdul-Jabbar was a six-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a 19-time All-Star.
"The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation's highest civilian honor – it's a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better," President Obama said in a statement on Nov. 16. "From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way."
Abdul-Jabbar was one of the first two UCLA men's basketball players to have their jersey numbers retired, along with Bill Walton, at a halftime ceremony on Dec. 3, 1990. A charter member of the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984, Abdul-Jabbar was a Pac-12 Hall of Honor enshrinement selection in 2003.
Other Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients from the sports world on Tuesday included Hall of Famer and illustrious NBA icon Michael Jordan and longtime Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully.
