Earl Lloyd, first black NBA player, dies at 86

CROSSVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Earl Lloyd, the first black player in the NBA, died in Tennessee at the age of 86 Thursday.

Lloyd joined the NBA in 1950 with the Washington Capitols and became the first black bench coach.

His alma mater confirmed the death.

"The State family mourns the loss of a fellow Yellow Jacket and trailblazer who was a true champion both on and off of the basketball court," West Virginia State President Brian Hemphill said in a statement. "When Earl stepped out on the court on that fateful date in 1950, this remarkable man rightfully earned his place in the historic civil rights movement and, more important, he opened the door to equality in America."

RIP to Mr. Earl Lloyd you opened that ever so important door for all African American athletes. Thank You!!!!

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