Article snippet: WASHINGTON — Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian award, at the White House Thursday afternoon and declared the honor “allowed me to complete my life circle.” “I can stop chasing the bouncing ball,” he said during the Oval Office ceremony. President Trump recognized Cousy for his skills as a Hall of Fame point guard and integral member of six Celtics championship teams but also for his support off the court of his black teammates through the fraught period of racial integration of the National Basketball Association in the 1950s and ’60s. Cousy is known for his friendship with teammate Chuck Cooper, the first black player drafted by the Celtics. “He is a great champion and we love champions,” Trump said in presenting Cousy with the medal. In a speech laced with self-deprecating humor, Cousy said the medal elevated him to a level of acceptance in society that he never dreamed of. Cousy also thanked Trump, calling him the “most extraordinary president in my lifetime.” “Mr. President,” Cousy told him, “I know you’re on your way to making America great again. In my world it’s been great for 91 years.” Cousy credited his Jesuit mentors at College of Holy Cross with instilling in him a moral code. They taught students to maximize their God-given skills then use those skills to help others, he said. “To the best of my ability I tried to do that,” he said. “And I like to think that the good Lord has r... Link to the full article to read more