Former Golden State Warriors player Felton Spencer died at the age of 55 on Sunday afternoon, as announced by his sister Tammy Pollock.
The cause of death is yet to be determined, but Tammy said the former athlete ‘passed away peacefully’ in a tweet. “Our beloved Felton Spencer – former UOFL basketball legend, retired 12-year NBA veteran, 6th pick in the 1990 NBA draft, and former assistant college coach – passed away peacefully this afternoon,” she tweeted.
@AP @wave3news @WLKY @WHAS11 @WDRBNews @espn Our beloved Felton Spencer – former @uofl basketball legend, retired 12 year NBA veteran and 6th pick in the 1990 NBA draft, and former assistant college coach – passed away peacefully this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/F9mU3Gjali
— Tammy Pollock (@tammytpollock) March 12, 2023
The NBA world is deeply saddened by his departure and has expressed their grief and mourning.
Who was Felton Spencer?
Felton started his NBA journey after the Minnesota Timberwolves picked him sixth overall in the 1990 NBA draft. Later, he played three years for the Timberwolves and was traded to the Utah Jazz in 1993. Since then, he played for the Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs before finally retiring as a New York Knicks player.
After retiring in 2002, Spencer joined Spalding University, located in Louisville, as an assistant coach and later moved to Bellarmine University.
His popularity rose even before joining the NBA when he played for the University of Louisville in college. Those four years of his career made him a first-team All-Metro Conference selection in 1990 and a second-team Parade All-American selection in 1986.
He left Louisville as a legend and was hailed as an all-time leader as a center in field goal percentage. His demise made the cardinals express their deep sorrow.
We’re heartbroken by the passing of UofL great Felton Spencer. Spencer was the Cardinals’ all-time leader in career field goal percentage, the 6th overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, & a beloved member of the Louisville community. Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/jalKAnWpK9
— Louisville Men's Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) March 12, 2023
A handful of NBA fans, teammates, and players shared their sympathy with the 7-foot legend and his family.
How has the NBA world reacted to Felton Spencer’s death?
felton’s friend and well-wisher, Kenny Payne, tweeted his feelings for the Louisville legend. “My heart is broken today hearing about my brother Felton. My love and prayers go out to Momma Betty, his sisters, and brother Mac. All Cardinals, please put his family in our prayers,” he wrote.
My heart is broken today hearing about my brother Felton. My love and prayers go out to Momma Betty, his sisters and brother Mac. All Cardinals please put his family in our prayers 🙏 https://t.co/GFtKd2XR8g
— Kenny Payne (@coachkennypayne) March 12, 2023
We remember former Warriors center Felton Spencer, who passed away today at the age of 55. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Felton played three seasons with the Warriors (1996-99) during a 12-year NBA career. Our condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/MGu6t5MRMm
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) March 12, 2023
Felton Spencer was one of the sweetest, kindest, people I’ve ever known. Grew up in KY together & have known each other since age 15. Played on the last Kentucky all-star team to sweep Indiana together. Played against one another in college & the pros. A sad day.
Rest Big Fella. https://t.co/jhJQyTz2ES— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) March 12, 2023
This is terribly sad. Of all the NBA players I covered, Felton was one of the all-time nice guys. Always had a smile on his face. Was playing the best basketball of his career in 1994-95, before rupturing his Achilles in Boston. Peace and prayers to his family and friends.
— Steve Luhm (@sluhm) March 12, 2023
One of the nicest men I ever met, and one of the best to wear the Cardinals uniform. What a sad and tragic day for all who love him. 🥺
— ~SarahD~ Football Fan~🏈 (@sadnky) March 12, 2023
RIP Felton, rivalry aside, you were a great player, a kind person and a terrific ambassador for UL.
— Blue Blood (@ElJimmadorUK) March 12, 2023
He was such a hard working player and person…
I remember his freshman year he was stumbling over his feet..
🙂🙂🙂🙂
Each year he improved with hard work and some ballet…
Damn…
Rest in Peace Big Guy 🥺🥺🥺💔💔— Carol Lynne (@Steeler82480) March 12, 2023
This is devastating. Felton was a true Louisville gentleman and star. Felton and his family represent the heart and soul of Louisville. Felton is walking with God, bless his relations.
— Step Up or Step Off ☮️ (@LuckyLuna07) March 12, 2023
We at SportsZion send our deepest condolences to the departed soul and his family.
