Class Act Dennis Johnson Needs to Be Remembered

Former Boston Celtic Guard and class act, Dennis Johnson left this earth entirely too early at age 52. Johnson was a five-time All Star and part of three NBA Championship teams. Indiana Pacers President Larry Bird told ESPN.com, "Dennis was a great player, one of the best teammates I ever had, and a wonderful person. My thoughts and condolences are with his family at this difficult time."

Johnson suddenly collapsed following an Austin Toros practice, an NBA development team Johnson coached. Johnson was not only revered by his teammates such as Larry Bird, but by other players in the league as well. Other former teammates like Jack Sikma and Bill Lambier praised not only Johnson's competitive spirit but, his personality and character. NBA Commissioner David Stern was quoted as saying; "Dennis was a man of extraordinary character with a tremendous passion for the game."

Dennis Wayne Johnson was born on September 18, 1954 in Compton, California. He attended Pepperdine University and was drafted 29^th overall by the Seattle Supersonics in 1976. Johnson played for Seattle until 1980. He played for the Phoenix Suns from 1980-83, and finished his career with the Boston Celtics when he retired in 1990. He won NBA titles with Seattle in 1976 and with Boston in 1984 and again in 1986. Johnson spent 14 seasons in the NBA.

Men like Dennis Johnson are what made professional sports great. Men of character, integrity, and the love of the game are what we need now more than ever. As fans we need to seek out players like Dennis Johnson, they're out there in professional sports we unfortunately only hear about the thugs and their daily escapades. We need to elevate class individuals like Dennis Johnson because they are the athletes who continue to preserve the integrity of professional sports. The fans need to demand the thugs be removed from professional sports, so players like Dennis Johnson can shine their bright light on all of us.

Posted on the Toros' web site announced a public memorial service to be held at David Chapel Baptist Church. There will also be a private service held in Los Angeles.

The Associated Press quoted Celtics executive director of basketball operations and former Celtic teammate Danny Ainge say, "D.J. was a free spirit and a fun personality who loved to laugh and play the game".

His wife Donna, his two sons Dwayne and Daniel and his daughter Denise survive Johnson.