10 Scandals the NBA wants you to forget

#5 Kermit Washington almost kills Rudy Tomjonovich (1977)

Rudy Tomjanovich will always be remembered for his “Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion” quote. He led the Houston Rockets to back to back championships in 1994 and 1995.

During his playing years, he was the victim of a life-threatening assault from Kermit Washington. While fighting had always been considered part of basketball, an inevitable outcome of a physical sport, what happened to Tomjanovich would redefine his career.

In 1977, a fight broke out during a game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers. As Rudy was rushing to separate those involved, Kermit Washington turned on instinct and threw a punch that would be described as “the greatest punch in the history of mankind,” that connected with Tomjanovich’s head.