Latest news with #DavidRobinson
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Damn, David Robinson got that monkey off his back" - Mitch Richmond thought he would never get a chance to redeem himself after the 1988 Olympics loss
"Damn, David Robinson got that monkey off his back" - Mitch Richmond thought he would never get a chance to redeem himself after the 1988 Olympics loss originally appeared on Basketball Network. Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond was one of the members of the last all-amateur U.S. men's basketball team to compete in the summer Olympic Games in 1988. That team failed to win the gold medal in Seoul and settled for the bronze. Although he won NBA Rookie of the Year honors the following year, Richmond carried the stigma of that defeat as he began his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors. As the years went by, Mitch began to think he'd never get a shot at redemption, especially with NBA stars dominating the national team and making a second opportunity feel out of reach. But in an unexpected twist of fate, Richmond got the call to play for the 1996 version of the Dream Team in the Atlanta Olympics and won the gold medal. Looking back, he talked about how sweet that route to redemption was. "It was a monkey off my back," said Richmond. "Cuz I never thought I'd have an opportunity to get back to the Olympics. So I watched David Robinson, who was on that team with me in '88, get a gold medal. He was on the '92 team, the Dream Team. And I'm like, 'Damn, David Robinson got that monkey off his back.' Man, he got the gold medal. So I never thought I'd have an opportunity." It was almost impossible to get a second crack David Robinson was arguably the best player on Richmond's 1988 Olympic team. And after winning Rookie of the Year honors for the San Antonio Spurs in 1990, The Admiral quickly became one of the top centers in the NBA and earned one of the 12 coveted spots on the original Dream Team, which demolished the opposition in Barcelona and brought back the gold to U.S. soil. While Richmond blossomed into a six-time NBA All-Star after he was traded to the Sacramento Kings in 1991, he did not gain enough superstar status to make the 1992 Dream Team. And with plenty of young talent entering the league every year, it was almost impossible to get a second crack at playing for the U.S. team. Yet, somehow, it happened for Mitch. "I think I was the last selection in '96 and had an opportunity to win the gold," added Richmond. "We had Charles Barkley, Pippen, Gary Payton, Stockton, Grant Hill, Penny Hardaway, Olajuwon, Karl Malone, and Reggie Miller." Jordan lobbied for Richmond's inclusion in the 1996 Dream Team While Richmond had a case to make the team as he was an All-Star and All-NBA second team member in 1995, his Olympic runback got a huge boost when the GOAT, Michael Jordan himself, lobbied for his inclusion on the team. USA Basketball was courting Jordan to return in 1996 along with Pippen, Karl Malone, John Stockton, and Robinson. But instead of saying yes, Mike made a pitch for Mitch. "You know, I would pick Mitch Richmond for that extra spot on the Olympic team," said MJ. "Give him a chance to redeem himself after '88. I love Mitch like a brother. He deserves an opportunity to get a gold…I may be biased a little bit." On April 12, 1996, USA Basketball awarded the final two spots on the 1996 U.S. Team to Barkley and Richmond. Mitch went on to average 9.6 points per game in the tournament and ranked second behind Reggie Miller on the team in 3-pointers made. They walloped Serbia and Montenegro 95-69 in the gold medal game, and the monkey that grew to become a gorilla as time passed was finally off Mitch's story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox News
19-07-2025
- Fox News
Army vet's search for missing geologist son revived as new forensics may reveal truth in desert disappearance
Print Close By Julia Bonavita, Michael Ruiz Published July 19, 2025 A retired U.S. Army veteran is still piecing together the disappearance of his geologist son years after he vanished from an Arizona work site, with new investigators looking to break open the four-year-long cold case using new forensic evidence. 24-year-old Daniel Robinson vanished after leaving work at around 9 a.m. on June 23, 2021, according to the Buckeye Police Department. Daniel's father, David Robinson, subsequently reported him missing later that day after his coworkers reached out to tell his family Daniel did not return to work. "When I first called in, [authorities] made me hang the phone up, wait two hours and call back," the elder Robinson told Fox News Digital. ARMY VET SAYS NEW EVIDENCE SUGGESTS FOUL PLAY IN UNSOLVED DISAPPEARANCE OF SCIENTIST SON After local law enforcement reportedly denied Robinson's request to begin searching for his son due to his age, the father took matters into his own hands by driving from his home in Columbia, South Carolina, to where Daniel had been seen last, 2,000 miles away in Arizona. "I kind of lost it," Robinson said. "That prompted me to grab everything I could, throw it in my car and start driving to go find Daniel myself." Upon arriving in Arizona, Robinson grew frustrated with the reported lack of urgency from officials, ultimately choosing to hire a private investigator to help search for Daniel. Less than one month later, Daniel's 2017 Jeep Renegade was found rolled on its side in a ravine by a local rancher. The vehicle was still in drive, and had front-end impact damage and a broken driver's side window and was missing a piece of its roof. FATHER'S PURSUIT FOR MISSING DAUGHTER HEATS UP WITH NEW EVIDENCE IN CASE THAT'S NO LONGER COLD Despite the damage, authorities ruled out foul play in Daniel's disappearance. "Law enforcement gave me an idea of what they said happened at that scene," Robinson said. "It was unacceptable to me. It didn't make sense." Robinson's private investigator determined that the damage to Daniel's vehicle did not match the nearby terrain, while also pointing to black box data indicating the car had driven 11 miles after the airbags had been deployed, signifying that the car may have been planted at the location where it was found. "So all of the information – plus more – signified to my investigator that some type of foul play happened," Robinson said. AMERICAN TOURIST VANISHES IN TROPICAL PARADISE AFTER EARLY MORNING WALK FROM VACATION RENTAL As Robinson continued the frantic search for his son, local law enforcement tried to provide explanations for where he may have gone, further frustrating the father as Daniel remained missing. "When [police] said, 'Hey, your son joined the monastery and became a monk,' I had to go look for monasteries," Robinson told Fox News Digital. "Can you imagine that? I had to go and check that out. [It was] a waste of a lot of money, a lot of energy." The case remains open within the Buckeye Police Department as authorities continue to look at evidence regarding Daniel's disappearance. "Buckeye police are committed to locating Daniel Robinson and getting answers for his loved ones and the many people who have become deeply invested in his case," the department said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Detectives continue to investigate every tip and lead and urge anyone with information on Daniel's whereabouts to contact us ." DETECTIVES' TRUE CRIME PODCAST HELPS DIG UP BREAKTHROUGH IN CASE THAT HAUNTED FAMILY: 'DREW AUDIBLE GASP' Four years later, Robinson hopes the introduction of new Buckeye Police Department detectives and police chief will yield more promising results in finding out what happened to his son, after what had been a rocky relationship between the father and local law enforcement. "It's given me the opportunity to get new leads in Daniel's case," Robinson said. "Hopefully that's what we'll find. Because I know forensic work will bring on some new answers, and we can go forward in another direction to find out exactly what happened to my family." Robinson hopes new forensics data from the clothing and vehicle found at the scene will help piece together his son's final moments. But in the meantime he is still searching on foot for clues in the desert. MISSING CALIFORNIA MOM'S FAMILY DIGS FOR HOMICIDE 'COVER-UP OR CLEANUP' AS POLICE EYE PERSONS OF INTEREST "Me and the volunteers that come out, they are my extended family," Robinson said. "We're actually looking for Daniel." Throughout their efforts, Robinson and his team of volunteers have recovered seven sets of human remains to ultimately bring closure to other families with missing loved ones within the area, but his primary mission remains finding Daniel. In April, Robinson teamed up with another father who understands the pain of losing a child all too well: Joseph Petito. Petito's daughter, Gabby Petito, went missing just a few weeks after Daniel while on a cross-country road trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. Her body was subsequently discovered in Wyoming on September 19, 2021. Investigators ruled her death a homicide, determining she had been strangled to death. GABBY PETITO TOLD HER EX SHE WAS SCARED TO LEAVE BRIAN LAUNDRIE BUT WANTED TO, JUST BEFORE MURDER: NEW DOC When the story regarding Gabby's disappearance first made national headlines, it "pulled Daniel's case along with it," according to Robinson. "The first thing I'm thinking is that somebody's family is going through exactly what I am," Robinson said. "I know the pain." GET REAL-TIME UPDATES AT THE FOX NEWS TRUE CRIME HUB The two men forged a bond through the disappearances of their children, with Petito ultimately traveling to Arizona in April of this year to help search for clues surrounding Daniel's disappearance. "He called me in January and said, 'Dave, I want to be a part of the search," Robinson told Fox News Digital. "He said 'I don't want it to be about Gabby. I just want to come in as a friend to come out here to help you.'" Petito is celebrating the resurrection of evidence in Robinson's case, telling Fox News Digital the addition of new investigators is "fantastic." "I really pray for him and his family," Petito said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Robinson continues to advocate for missing Americans throughout the country, and he is pushing for new legislation to create federal standards regarding law enforcement's response to missing-persons reports while running for a seat in South Carolina's Second Congressional District. "The only thing that kept me straight is my love for my son and my military training," Robinson said. "I had to rely on military training to look at my son as a mission, and I put the mission first." Print Close URL
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Sad for our franchise, a little bit" - David Robinson admits seeing Kawhi win Toronto a championship hurt him on the inside
"Sad for our franchise, a little bit" - David Robinson admits seeing Kawhi win Toronto a championship hurt him on the inside originally appeared on Basketball Network. The championship success by the Toronto Raptors back in 2019 was a celebration north of the border that sent ripple effects across the entire NBA, especially down south in San Antonio, where Kawhi Leonard's former franchise watched a homegrown star do the unthinkable in another jersey. Advertisement Leonard, who had clashed with the Spurs front office and exited under controversial circumstances, had gone on to lead a franchise that had never tasted Finals success to an improbable NBA title. It was a moment that rewrote his legacy and quietly tugged at the heart of those who helped shape his beginnings. Lingering feelings It was bittersweet for many in the Spurs family, but few felt it more deeply than Hall of Famer and San Antonio Spurs legend David Robinson. "I was really happy to see him able to go and fulfill that promise that he has showed in San Antonio," Robinson, the Spurs' top pick in the 1987 NBA Draft, said in 2019. "[Leonard] kind of proved to everybody, 'Hey, what I did in San Antonio wasn't because of Tim or Manu.' He is a great player. So, I was happy for him, sad for our franchise, a little bit, but we're doing our thing." Advertisement Robinson, who bridged the gap between the franchise's early years and the dynasty that followed, didn't mask the layered emotions that came with watching Leonard soar elsewhere. There was pride, yes, but also a pang of loss. It was an uncomfortable truth from one of the most revered big men in NBA history and a key figure in establishing the Spurs' culture. When Leonard was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2011 and traded immediately to San Antonio, few foresaw the kind of quiet storm he'd become. The Spurs developed him patiently, allowing him to grow under the guidance of veterans like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. And by 2014, Kawhi was already Finals MVP for making it difficult on LeBron James and delivering San Antonio its fifth NBA title. Yet only a few years later, Leonard's relationship with the franchise began to unravel. A mysterious quad injury in 2017 led to tension between Kawhi's camp and the Spurs' medical staff. The quiet superstar who had once been hailed as the future of the franchise soon became its most distant figure. By the summer of 2018, he was traded to the Raptors. Advertisement That "thing" Robinson alluded to was the Spurs' quiet rebuild, a patient approach that still prioritized culture and development, even in the post-Duncan era. But watching Leonard do what no other Raptor had ever done — defeat the Golden State Warriors in six games and bring Canada its first NBA title — was a reminder of what could have been. Related: "I was with them" - Damon Stoudamire refutes John Salley's claim the 72-10 Bulls lost to the Raptors because of a hangover Kawhi's success San Antonio had long prided itself on turning talent into titles, and Leonard was their crown jewel in waiting. But dynasties, even those built on discipline and teamwork, are fragile when trust breaks. The Klaw's run in the 2019 championship was impressive. In that postseason alone, he averaged 30.5 points per game while shooting nearly 49 percent from the field. Advertisement He also delivered one of the most iconic game-winners in NBA history with his Game 7 buzzer-beater over Joel Embiid in the Eastern Conference semifinals. It was the first time a Game 7 had ended on a buzzer-beater in league history. From there, Leonard led the Raptors past Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks, then took down the dynastic Warriors in a Finals that saw Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson both suffer devastating injuries. Kawhi was named Finals MVP again — this time without Duncan, without Popovich's steady hand, without the comfort of the Spurs' system. Robinson, who knows a thing or two about legacy, recognized the magnitude of that achievement. "He took a team that wasn't even in the discussion for a championship to a title, and that's a legendary type of thing," The Admiral said. Advertisement Indeed, before Leonard's arrival, the Raptors had never made it past the Eastern Conference finals. Their identity had been shaped more by playoff shortcomings than contender credentials. However, Kawhi's quiet intensity and postseason dominance changed all that. He became the first player in NBA history to win Finals MVP in both conferences, first with the Spurs in 2014, then with the Raptors in 2019. For Robinson, it was a moment that validated Leonard's greatness but also underlined a missed chapter in the Spurs' own evolution. The plan had been for Kawhi to lead the franchise into a new era of competitiveness. Instead, his victory became a reminder of what they no longer had. Related: David Robinson spoke about finding it hard to communicate with Kawhi Leonard: "He's a hard guy to understand and read" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Scoop
06-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Emergency Ambulance Services Celebrate Paramedics And First Responders
As part of a global tribute, Hato Hone St John (HHStJ) and Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA) will unite on 8 July to celebrate International Paramedics Day for the third year running. Created in 2022 by the College of Paramedics in the United Kingdom, the annual event honours all paramedics and first responders and highlights the power of teamwork and collaboration. Last year, Hato Hone St John's more than 5,000 paid and volunteer ambulance personnel responded to more than 450,000 incidents nationwide and Wellington Free Ambulance's over 200 paramedics and first responders attended more than 54,000 emergencies across Greater Wellington and Wairarapa. Peter Bradley, Hato Hone St John Chief Executive, acknowledges how the paramedic role has developed significantly over the decades, with St John first responders commencing their service to New Zealanders in 1885. 'For 140 years and counting, our people have served their communities, from giving basic first aid at events, to playing a crucial role in pre-hospital care. 'We are incredibly grateful to all our ambulance personnel who continue to make a life-changing differences in the face of growing demand for emergency services and an increasingly busy public health sector.' With this year's theme centered on 'Unity and Community', the two emergency ambulance service providers are celebrating the different ways in which paramedics, their colleagues and partners, work together to support each other and their communities, while overcoming challenges to deliver the best possible care. David Robinson, Wellington Free Ambulance Chief Executive, says, 'This International Paramedics Day, I'd like to acknowledge and thank our incredible paramedics for their tireless dedication and commitment and the difference they make to their communities – 24/7, 365 days a year. 'It's not an exaggeration to say that unity and community are absolutely essential to Wellington Free Ambulance. There's a real sense of camaraderie in our paramedic workforce; they've got each other's backs, which allows them to show up for our communities feeling fully supported. Unified teams that share valuable knowledge, skills, and experience lead to better patient outcomes. 'Caring for, and being supported by, our community is at the very heart of everything we do. It's the ongoing support and generosity of our incredible community that allows us to be here for anyone who needs us in Greater Wellington and Wairarapa, 24/7, free of charge.' Dan Ohs, Hato Hone St John Deputy Chief Executive – Ambulance Operations, says the day shines a spotlight on the significant contribution paramedics and first responders make across a wide range of roles. 'Ambulance personnel across the country work under high pressure, challenging conditions, when people are at their most vulnerable. We appreciate their skills, knowledge, and commitment to caring for patients. 'A huge thank you to all our ambulance personnel and everyone who supports them. You make a genuine difference to people's lives through the incredible work you do.' To mark the occasion on 8 July, several national landmarks will be lit up in yellow and green – the colours of emergency ambulances in New Zealand. Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance invite the public to join them in acknowledging and thanking all the paramedics and first responders who serve in their communities. The landmarks being lit up on International Paramedics Day include:
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"It's some bulls—t" - Ron Harper directly mocked David Robinson over his historic 71-point performance
"It's some bulls—t" - Ron Harper directly mocked David Robinson over his historic 71-point performance originally appeared on Basketball Network. When NBA legends reunite, they look back at some of their most memorable experiences. It was exactly what happened when David Robinson and Ron Harper took part in a '90s NBA stars virtual reunion alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Dominique Wilkins back in 2020. Advertisement One of the things the group discussed was Robinson's historic 71-point outburst in 1994 against the Los Angeles Clippers. Harper, who was playing for the Clippers at the time, sparked the conversation by poking fun at Robinson, suggesting that it wasn't a legitimate career-high performance. "I just wanna say congrats on the 71 points," Harper sarcastically told Robinson during the group conversation. "But it's some bulls—t." "If he says they gave it to me then they must've given it to me," Robinson said about Harper's comment while laughing. What went down the night Robinson dropped 71 The context of Harper's remark stemmed from the controversy surrounding Robinson's 71-point game. It was said that then-Clippers owner Donald Sterling rigged it and the story quickly made the rounds within the NBA community. Rumors swirled that Sterling ordered the Clippers to allow the San Antonio Spurs center to score as many points as he could for the purpose of helping Robinson win the scoring title. Advertisement Apparently, Sterling's plan was to keep the scoring title in the West. It was the final game of the season and Robinson only needed 35 points to beat Orlando Magic's Shaquille O'Neal. To ensure that The Admiral would edge Shaq, Sterling allegedly instructed the Clippers coaching staff to pull the starters and let Robinson dominate the game early on. As a result, Robinson ended up dropping 71, an insane tally that put him above O'Neal by 0.5 in total points per game. Robinson finished the season with an average of 29.8 points per outing, while Shaq logged 29.3. Many of those who have watched the entire game felt as if the 71 points were handed to Robinson. However, it seemed like both Robinson and then-Clippers coach Bob Weiss didn't even have an inkling of the apparent dubiousness going on. Advertisement "Robinson was spectacular," said Weiss. "That was exactly what we didn't want to happen. We double-teamed him with our forwards every time we could, but he still scored the points. I think the foul situation was a little ridiculous, though. He played great, and he deserves the title," Weiss gave him credit. "I looked up at the scoreboard," Robinson told reporters after the win. "It said, 71 points. Oh, my goodness. It was unbelievable. My team has been behind me for the whole year. They always push me to do a lot of individual things. As a leader, I just try to win games, but tonight, they really wanted me to shoot it. When the game started, they were looking for me almost every time down the court," he concluded. Advertisement Related: Lance Stephenson explains why Carmelo won't play against Michael Beasley 1-on-1: "Nobody wants to lose their stripes" How Shaq reacted to Robinson's scoring title win In the end, Robinson won the scoring title that year. It didn't take long before Shaq learned about the shady things that took place during the Spurs-Clippers game. For O'Neal, what happened that night in L.A. was an utter mockery, which was something that he and the Magic hadn't even thought about. However, Shaq pointed out that had they done the same thing, he would've had 70 points as well. Related: "You guys created this" - Shaq credited media for motivating him to get serious and start winning championships This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
