Contact: Colleen Roche/Jack Deacy (212) 788-2958
"With the death of Junius Kellogg, New York City has lost a dedicated public servant, an athlete of remarkable ability, and a man of courage and dignity. It was Junius Kellogg's heroic refusal to take a $1000 bribe from a gambler in January 1951, when he was a star center on the Manhattan College basketball team, that uncovered and destroyed a point-shaving gambling operation.
After his professional career with the Harlem Globetrotters ended tragically in 1954 when he was paralyzed in a car crash, Junius worked tirelessly with physically challenged men, women and children. Since 1964, he has served in several City agencies, working with youth programs in communities all over the city.
Junius Kellogg's courageous deeds still resonate today and his life should serve as a model for young people everywhere. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want express my condolences to his family and friends."