When Wilt The Stilt revealed his emotions, he was once fined the largest amount in the league.

When Wilt The Stilt revealed his emotions, he was once fined the largest amount in the league.

Despite his incredible individual skill and impressive numbers, Wilt Chamberlain always had to deal with an ironic storyline during his basketball career. Although the four-time MVP has an unmatched resume of accomplishments, his team’s success was restricted to just two championships. In contrast, Bill Russell’s incredible 11 championship victories led many to believe that the Boston Celtics center was the better player.

In their individual matches, Wilt always played better than Bill, but in the overall context of the game of basketball, the five-time MVP prevailed. Notably, Chamberlain was fined $750 for actions that were “detrimental to the best interest of the league” by NBA President Walter Kennedy at the time due to the persistent comparisons and criticism. Wilt Chamberlain on his dissatisfaction ‘Wilt: Larger than Life,’ Robert Cherry’s biography, explores the 13-time All-Star’s mentality. Chamberlain thought on the difficulties he faced in winning over his detractors, especially the unfairness of Russell’s celebration as a victor while he was labeled a loser. Wilt was negatively impacted by this enduring story, which affected his perception of his own career.

As reported by Cherry, “At times, I feel like a guy who isn’t quite alive,” Chamberlain wrote. But you know, being pursued throughout life?… There are times when I feel incredibly depressed and alone. From my New York apartment’s balcony, I watch all the typical cats and their ladies, maybe strolling hand in hand along Central Park’s edge and, you know, just kind of living. I’m curious how that might work for me.