Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Adrian Griffin pay tribute to Herb Kohl
Current and former members of the Milwaukee Bucks organization paid tribute to Herb Kohl, the Bucks' former owner and U.S. senator who died Wednesday.
After the Bucks' victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, coach Adrian Griffin and players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton spoke about Kohl in their postgame comments.
“He was always generous, always kind to me. I got to work for the Bucks back in 2008, 2009. … It’s a big loss for the Bucks organization and the entire state. … He was such a special human being. If you ever got to know Sen. Kohl, man, he was the best.
“Every time I saw him, he knew all of us by name. It was my first time coaching and I just remember him walking around, greeting everybody. He was just always kind and generous and, you know, he treated us with a lot of respect. I didn’t even know he knew my name but he knew everyone in the building. He just spread joy. He was such a great human being. I know he’ll be missed.”
#Bucks coach Adrian Griffin on what Herb Kohl meant to Milwaukee and Khris Middleton's breakout performance in the win over Brooklyn. #FearTheDeer // #NBA pic.twitter.com/FNvlGElxti
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) December 28, 2023
“I’m praying for his family. He’s a guy that took care of me when I came in. He made me feel comfortable but, the most important, made my family feel comfortable. He helped a lot with the process of bringing my family over. He’s done so many things for the city of Milwaukee, so many things for the Milwaukee Bucks organization. He’s going to be definitely missed. I’m going to pray for him and may his soul rest in peace.”
“A bright light in Milwaukee. He was a big part of me coming to Milwaukee, me staying in Milwaukee, but also the team and the whole organization. I know how generous he was and I know how well-respected he was across the country. So rest in peace to him and I hope his family’s doing well. He and his family will continue to be in my prayers.”
Former Bucks player Michael Redd, others in Wisconsin sports pay tribute, too
Michael Redd, who played with the Bucks from 2000 to 2011, posted a message on social media that referenced his weekly breakfasts with Kohl at the Pfister Hotel.
A few words on the passing of my dear friend, Senator Kohl: pic.twitter.com/QggAns8gTu
— Michael Redd (@MichaelRedd_) December 28, 2023
Ted Davis, who was the Bucks' play-by-play announcer for 24 years before retiring after the 2020-21 season, recounted that Kohl gave every Bucks employee a bonus when he sold the team.
Just heard the News about Herb Kohl. Worked with him for 14 years. He was the best Boss anyone could have, truly cared about his Employees and always wanted to do what was best for Milwaukee. Gave EVERY Bucks Employee a Cash Bonus the Day he sold the team. Glad I knew him.
— Ted Davis (@nbated) December 27, 2023
More: Flags to fly at half-staff in Wisconsin to honor life of Herb Kohl
University of Wisconsin Athletic Director Chris McIntosh noted Kohl's impact in Madison — and particularly on the building of the Kohl Center.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Herb Kohl pic.twitter.com/if8LEDfyyW
— Wisconsin Badgers (@UWBadgers) December 28, 2023
Former Marquette basketball coach Tom Crean called Kohl a "Wisconsin legend."
Senator Herb Kohl treated me, our family and our @MarquetteMBB program great during our time there. Seeing him at the Bradley Center, an event in Milwaukee or while he was having breakfast at the Pfister, he was always inquisitive, friendly and so nice. A Wisconsin legend. RIP !
— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) December 28, 2023
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Bucks' Giannis, Khris Middleton, Griffin pay tribute to Herb Kohl