- Home •
- Holy Smokes, Red Auerbach! •
- Red vs. Refs
Red vs. Refs
Date: 1950s to 1960s
Red Auerbach’s battles with referees are almost as much a part of his legend as his victory cigar. He’s pictured here speaking his mind to an NBA official. One famed incident came on December 24, 1960, when the Celtics played the Detroit Pistons at Boston Garden. A call by referee Sid Borgia incensed Auerbach. The Celtics coach grabbed Borgia, took him to the cameras broadcasting the game on national television and said, “Here, look good on TV.” Borgia ejected Auerbach from the game soon after, but the Celtics went on to win, 150-106.
( C ) NBA/Celtics