Bill Bradley

Bill Bradley. William Warren Bradley is an American politician, author, and former professional basketball player. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented New Jersey in the United States Senate from 1979 to 1997. Prior to his political career, he was a Hall of Fame player for the New York Knicks, winning two NBA championships, and an Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. national team.

Early life and education

He was born in Crystal City, Missouri, and attended Crystal City High School, where he excelled academically and athletically. He chose to attend Princeton University, where he played for the Princeton Tigers and was a three-time consensus All-American. In 1965, he led the Tigers to the Final Four and won the James E. Sullivan Award as the nation's top amateur athlete. After graduating with a degree in American history, he attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, earning a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

Basketball career

After completing his studies at Worcester College, Oxford, he deferred his professional career to fulfill his Air Force Reserve commitment. He was selected by the New York Knicks in the 1965 NBA draft and joined the team for the 1967-68 season. Known for his intelligent play and shooting prowess, he became a key member of the Knicks' championship teams in 1970 and 1973, playing alongside legends like Walt Frazier and Willis Reed. His number 24 jersey was retired by the franchise, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983.

Political career

After retiring from basketball, he embarked on a career in politics, winning a seat in the United States Senate in the 1978 election. In the Senate, he served on influential committees including the Senate Finance Committee and was a leading expert on tax reform, playing a pivotal role in the passage of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. He was also a prominent voice on issues like campaign finance reform, race relations, and environmental policy, advocating for the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. He chose not to seek re-election in 1996.

Post-Senate career and later life

Following his Senate service, he became a managing director at Allen & Company, an investment bank. In 2000, he launched a campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, challenging incumbent Vice President Al Gore, but ultimately suspended his campaign. He has since been a prolific author, senior advisor at McKinsey & Company, and a professor at Notre Dame and other institutions. He remains active in public affairs through his work with organizations like the Council on Foreign Relations and as a commentator for CBS News.

Personal life

He married professor and author Ernestine Schlant in 1974, and they have one daughter. The family has resided in locations including Montclair, New Jersey, and New York City. An avid reader and writer, he has authored several books on politics, economics, and American life. He maintains a lifelong connection to the sport of basketball and is involved in various charitable and educational endeavors.

Category:American basketball players Category:United States senators from New Jersey Category:Rhodes Scholars