Kermit Alan Washington is an American former professional basketball player. Washington is best remembered for punching opposing player Rudy Tomjanovich during an on-court fight in 1977. His punch nearly killed Tomjanovich, and resulted in severe medical problems. However, Tomjanovich made a full recovery and ultimately made the All-Star team two years later. Washington was not a highly coveted player coming out of high school and barely got into college on an athletic scholarship. He averaged a mere four points per game during his senior season of high school. He improved rapidly once at American University, and became one of only seven players in NCAA history to average 20 points and 20 rebounds throughout the course of their career. A big defensive forward, Washington was known for his ability to gather rebounds. He averaged 9.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in ten National Basketball Association seasons and played in the All-Star Game once.
| Born: | September 17, 1951, Washington, D.C. |
| Nationality: | American |
| Listed height: | 6 ft 8 in |
| Listed weight: | 230 lb |
| High school: | Coolidge (Washington, D.C.) |
| College: | American (1970–1973) |
| NBA draft: | 1973 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5, Los Angeles Lakers |
About Kermit Washington
Power forward who is best remembered for an on-court fight against Rudy Tomjanovich, in which a punch he delivered nearly killed his rival.
Before Fame
He starred at American University, before being selected fifth overall in the 1973 NBA draft.
Achievement
His NBA career spanned five teams from 1973-1987, and included an All-Star game appearance in 1980 as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Family Life
His parents were Alexander and Barbara Washington.
Associations
As a rookie with the Los Angeles Lakers, he admitted to often feeling intimidated by legendary teammate Jerry West.
Information related to Kermit Washington
- The Breaks of the Game - The Breaks of the Game is a 1981 sports book written by Pulitzer Prize winning reporter David Halberstam about the Portland Trail Blazers' 1979–1980 season. The Trail Blazers are a professional basketball team which plays in the National Basketball Association.
- New York Nets draft picks
- American Eagles men's basketball players
- San Diego Clippers players
- Violence in sports
- Basketball players from Washington, D.C.
- Los Angeles Lakers draft picks
- Portland Trail Blazers players
- Los Angeles Lakers players
- Golden State Warriors players
- National Basketball Association All-Stars
- Boston Celtics players