Before retiring, Larry Bird declined a $10 million payout.
Following his triumph with Team USA at the Olympics in Barcelona, Larry Bird returned to the United States and announced his retirement from professional basketball. Despite playing in 45 games during the 1991–92 campaign, Bird’s back problems persisted the entire time.
If the venerable Boston Celtics forward had waited until the beginning of the 1992–93 campaign to announce his retirement, he would have been eligible to receive the benefits of his most recent contract extension, which brought him a salary of about $5 million annually for two seasons. However, the legendary player for the Boston Celtics refused to accept a check for work that he had not completed, even though Dave Gavitt attempted to persuade him to change his mind.
According to Jackie MacMullen’s book, Bird remarked, “I know what you are doing, and I don’t want the money.” I won’t accept it because I didn’t deserve it. Just let’s finish this up.
Bird ended his 13-year career with the Celtics as a result, leaving with an Olympic gold medal, three championship rings, and twelve All-Star selections. As one of the most recognizable Celtics players of all time, Bird remains so today.
His choice to eschew more than $10 million demonstrates his love for the team and the reasons he will always be remembered as a legend in the TD Garden and the Boston community.
