Allow Me To Introduce You To Marvin "Bad News" Barnes

Ladies and gentleman, allow me to introduce you to Marvin "Bad News" Barnes. Barnes was an ABA star, a classic representation of the leagues flash and funky style. He was a high-flying big man with as much game as swagger on and off the court.

Barnes received his epic nickname in college after beating a teammate with a tire iron during one dubious practice session. Barnes career was plagued by altercations, drug abuse and , in general, surly behavior.

When Barnes finally cracked into the NBA, he played for the Celtics where he was known to walk into the the locker room, take off his coat and unassumingly hang his double-pistoled gun holster in his locker next to his practice gear. He was also notorious for, during games, placing his towel over his head, on the bench, and snorting copious amounts of blow.

As outrageous as that may seem, my favorite "Bad News" story comes from his ABA days:


During an ABA playoff series while playing for the leagues Louisville affiliate, Barnes and his team prepared to board a flight to St. Louis for their playoff game. Before getting on the plane, Barnes astutely noticed the flight board which said the flight was set to take off at 4:04 and land in St. Louis at 4:00 -- clearly a board which had been adjusted for the time change between the two cities. Bad News wasn't buying it.

Barnes refused to get on the plane, and subsequently missed the playoff game. When asked by a reporter, at the airport, why he wouldn't get on the plane with his team, Barnes simply said, "I ain't gettin' on no time machine."


Absolutely classic.