Tributes pour in for Texas ‘legend’
Sports world mourns ex-owner Mccombs
Tributes from around the sports world have flowed following the death of former Spurs owner B.J. “Red” Mccombs.
Mccombs died “peacefully” Sunday night surrounded by loves ones, according to a statement from the San Antonio billionaire's family on Monday that confirmed his death.
He was 95. Mccombs owned the Spurs twice. Between those stints, he also owned the Denver Nuggets and later the Minnesota Vikings.
Mccombs teamed with Angelo Drossos, who died in 1997, and other San Antonio businessmen to bring the American Basketball Association's Dallas Chaparrals to San Antonio in 1973 ahead of the 1973-74 season.
In 1988 during his second stint as Spurs owner, Mccombs made a splash by hiring Larry Brown as coach after he guided Kansas to a national championship. Brown's staff included Gregg Popovich, who is in his 27th season as Spurs coach was named a Basketball Hall of Fame finalist last week after winning five NBA titles, and R.C. Buford, now franchise CEO after twice winning NBA Executive of the Year honors as its general manager.
In a statement, Popovich called Mccombs a “true icon” and a “Texas legend.”
“It's impossible to overstate the impact he had on the City of San Antonio,” Popovich said. “Perhaps, his most impressive trait was his commitment to community. Red and (his wife) Charline (who died in 2019) impacted tens of thousands of lives, here in San Antonio and across Texas. From multimillion dollar donations to flying a stranded Little League team back to San Antonio, the Mccombs family has always put community first.
“To me, most of all, he was a good friend and mentor.”
The Spurs honored Mccombs at a recent game as part of their 50th anniversary celebration. Using a wheelchair, Mccombs'
last public appearance related to the franchise was an emotional moment for him, his family, Spurs officials and fans.
“It’s important to state that without Red and Charline there would be no Spurs,” Buford said in a statement. “His approach, vision and impact were unique and wonderful. On a personal level, I am forever grateful for the trust, support and lessons Red provided to me and my family over our 35-year friendship. There will never be another Red Mccombs.”
Spurs managing partner Peter J. Holt said Mccombs had a “profound influence on the Holt family through his focus on positively impacting all around him.”
Holt’s father, Peter Holt, was the team’s chairman during its five championship seasons.
“For me personally, his kindness, thoughtfulness, and boldness will forever shape my perspective,” Peter J. Holt said. “His card that reads “Expect to Win” sits on my desk as a daily reminder of the continuous need for positivity and abundance in this world. We sure do love Red and will miss him deeply.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver called Mccombs a “driving force in creating the modern NBA.”
“He was an innovator and savvy entrepreneur who never shied away from taking risks,” Silver said in a statement. “We mourn Red’s passing and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and the Spurs organization.”
Spurs players, including some from the ABA days, were also quick to praise their former boss.
“There are no Spurs without Red Mccombs,” tweeted Hall of Fame coach George Karl, who began his coaching career as an assistant with the Spurs in the late 1970s after playing four seasons for the club, including its first two seasons in San Antonio.
Former Spurs point guard Avery Johnson praised Mccombs for his role in an improbable NBA career that included helping the franchise win its first NBA title in 1999.
“LOVE YOU RED!! Changed my Career! Rest in peace!! Like “Frank” He did it his way!!!” Johnson tweeted.
The Vikings also expressed gratitude to Mccombs, who bought the club in 1998 for $250 million. Minnesota reached the NFC Championship Game twice before Mccombs sold the franchise in 2005 for $600 million.
“Red embodied his famous ‘Purple Pride’ phrase and remained a staunch Vikings fan” after selling his ownership of the team,” the Vikings’ statement read. “While Red had a clear passion for sports, it was evident what he loved the most were his children and grandchildren.”
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Mccombs were friends. In a statement, Jones, 80, called Mccombs a “true Texas titan across sports, media, business, and philanthropy.
“He followed his dreams and impacted countless others along the journey of his amazing life,” Jones said.
“He was an inspiration to me, and Red’s interest in sports was a great attraction as a friend. I respected the way he valued loyalty. And he had a deep appreciation for everything it took to put a team together.”
Jay Hartzell, president of the University of Texas at Austin, also praised Mccombs, who was a generous, devoted booster of the Longhorns.
UT named its business school after Mccombs following a $50 million gift in 2000. The north end zone at Darrell K. Royal-texas Memorial Stadium and the school’s softball stadium are also named after him.
“From the business school that bears his name, to our athletics and student success programs, his entrepreneurial spirit, drive to win and commitment to excellence are reflected across the Forty Acres,” Hartzell said in a statement. “His legacy of generosity will forever impact the lives of countless students who find inspiration in his story and go on to change the world."
Mccombs also supported UTSA’S athletics program. In 2011, he donated $1 million to the Roadrunners to help with the construction of two practice fields for the football team.
“Thank you for your never-ending support of UTSA student-athletes. Always in our hearts. Generous friend and benefactor,” a tweet posted by UTSA athletics read.
Officials at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas, the first purpose-built Formula 1 track in the U.S. and current home of the U.S. Grand Prix, also honored Mccombs.
In 2020, the track renamed its Turn 1 “BIG RED” in honor of Red Mccombs, one of the track’s largest initial investors.
“We are saddened by the passing of Red Mccombs,” read a tweet posted by Circuit of the Americas. “He was a generous visionary, inspiration, and friend. He will never be forgotten.”