Imago
Image Credits: Imago
Imago
Image Credits: Imago
The sports world and the NBA world, in particular, mourn the death of Billy Joe “Red” McCombs. The Texas-based billionaire was the owner of multiple NBA teams and also left his mark on other sports leagues. He passed away peacefully at the age of 95 in his San Antonio house and numerous eminent names from the sporting world have given their condolences to McCombs’ friends and family. Among the thousands of messages pouring in for the Texas icon, San Antonio Spurs legend David Robinson had a special message for him.
Taking to Twitter, The Admiral posted a heartfelt message for the former Spurs owner who played a huge role in bringing the franchise to the NBA.
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David Robinson and the sports world remember the iconic billionaire
Red McCombs is a familiar name in the world of sports. After all, he has been a part of multiple title-winning franchises across different leagues. In the NBA, he once owned the San Antonio Spurs and also the Denver Nuggets.
Moreover, McCombs also owned the Minnesota Vikings, one of the most popular teams in the NFL. Additionally, he is also credited for changing the face of the Circuit of the Americas located in Texas, McCombs’ home state.
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He passed away on the 19th of February, aged 95. The statement released by his family read, “Red was a visionary entrepreneur who touched many lives and impacted our community in immeasurable ways.”
Here’s what the NBA and the sports world had to say about McCombs passing away.
The #Vikings are saddened by the passing of former team owner Red McCombs. pic.twitter.com/GciunVy68C
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 20, 2023
Race fans will be forever grateful for Red McCombs, the visionary investor who helped fund the internationally famous race track Circuit of the Americas. A wonderful friend to motorsports and certainly a friend of mine. RIP Red. @F1 https://t.co/bEZHkXeM9O
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) February 21, 2023
R.I.P. Red McCombs. He was a legendary figure in San Antonio, and had a huge impact in my life. We will miss you!
— David Robinson (@DavidtheAdmiral) February 20, 2023
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones on the passing of Red McCombs. pic.twitter.com/TVTHOK1qVc
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) February 21, 2023
Popovich releases a statement on the passing of Red McCombs…
— JeffGSpursKENS5 (@JeffGSpursZone) February 20, 2023
“Red was a true icon. A Texas legend. It’s impossible to overstate the impact he had on the City of San Antonio. Perhaps, his most impressive trait was his commitment to community. Red and Charline impacted tens of… https://t.co/3BKoHKA6Hu pic.twitter.com/tQO4yNKzl7
Two-time NBA champion David Robinson played for the San Antonio Spurs from 1989 to 2003. McCombs was the owner of the Spurs during The Admiral’s early years in the league and the billionaire definitely played a huge role in his development.
McCombs brought the San Antonio Spurs into the NBA
Red McCombs bought the Dallas Chaparrals, who played in the ABA and relocated them to San Antonio. The team began to be known as the San Antonio Spurs from the 1973-74 season. Interestingly, when the ABA and the NBA merged in 1976, McCombs was instrumental in bringing the team to the NBA.
Not only the Spurs, but the billionaire also owned the Denver Nuggets at one point in time. McCombs sold his share in the Spurs in 1982 and took over the Nuggets. However, his stint was short-lived. He once again returned to the Spurs in 1986 after selling his stake in the Nuggets in 1985.
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What are your thoughts on Red McCombs? Let us know in the comments down below.
