Earl Lloyd Passes Away At 86

[RealGM Wiretap]

Earl Lloyd has passed away at the age of 86.

Lloyd was the first black player in NBA history, debuting in 1950 for the Washington Capitals.

"The NBA family has lost one of its patriarchs," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "Earl Lloyd, the first African-American to play in an NBA game, was as inspirational as he was understated. He was known as a modest gentleman who played the game with skill, class, and pride. His legacy survives in the league he helped integrate, and the entire NBA family will strive to always honor his memory. Our deepest condolences to the Lloyd family."

Via ESPN

[RayClayMatthews]

THIS was a true "American Hero". Sad.

[mj_shoefanatic]

R.I.P. true NBA pioneer

[Epicurus]

For a wee lad watching the Syracuse Nationals play a televised Sunday game, nothing was as glorious as Earl Lloyd's gliding one-handed, underhanded driving layup. Maybe this 69 year old will go to the gym tomorrow and see if he can still emulate that shot in honor of the man who broke the NBA's color barrier.