Reggie's cool, but a lot more than just that cliche
The private Reggie I saw close up (or as close as I got):
I first me Reggie Theus at the old Confetti nightclub on Arden Way in fall/winter 1985 and got to know him pretty well, partying with #24 numerous times and hustling chicks as they say. He had a nice condo at exclusive East Ranch in Sac after moving there from rather spartan digs on Bell St. which he had leased when the Kings first came to town. He had a pool table right in the middle of his living room at E.R. and quite often had his trusted cue stick in hand at Confetti - he virtually owned the place 1985-88. Unlike some of his teammates I never saw him out the night before a game and he never, and I mean never, drank alcohol or took illegal drugs. I recall buying him his favorite drink, "O.J. on the rocks," several times when he confessed to not having any money on him or was just too cheap
Or occasionally his drinks came complimentary it seemed as he pulled up in his bright cherry red Porsche for valet parking directly at the front door. His NBA salary was about $600,000 at the time. Around Reggie I met a number of other NBA players, like his best friend Robert "Bobby Joe" Reid of the Houston Rockets and later Charlotte Hornets (Robert would always have 2 comp game tix for me when his team was in town). A few of those players I may have gotten to know a bit better because Reggie was rather private, guarded, and only allowed a very small circle of people to enter his private world. While the partying Reggie was legendary going back to his days as 'Rush Street Reggie' in Chicago, I found him just as often in Sacramento preparing for games by viewing VHS video tapes over-and-over, preparing for or just getting back from a bow hunting trip, or being glued to TV during the NCAA Final Four, which he absolutely relished as a giddy fan every March. The party animal Reggie I always thought was a bit of an exaggeration or at least he controlled it and never let it control him. There's a few more tidbit memories flowing back, but maybe I'll save it for later since we now know he's back in town and will be here for awhile.
Reggie on the basketball court, 1985-1988:
One of my oldest and fondest memories was when Reggie Theus addressed fans at ARCO Arena having just taken the microphone from Sacramento City Mayor Anne Rudin after she was booed loudly and embarrassingly. As the announcer introduced team captain Reggie to a thunderous roar of approval he made the comment that it seemed like "HE" was more popular than the mayor - to even greater cheers from the ARCO faithful! Then there was the time he slammed violently head first into the field goal barrier and broke his nose. He only missed a tiny handful of games due to injury or illness while with the Kings and the idea that he was soft, didn't play defense, or didn't have great drive, determination, and heart, was pure myth. But myth, lies and distortions surrounded Reggie for years, lots of it (and this came directly from some of his best NBA buddies) with various people simply jealous and rooting for him to fail. Reggie said to me and other friends on more than one occasion, "life isn't fair." With all his gifts, charm and good looks, Reggie learned that lesson early as his dad died back in ghetto-ridden Inglewood, CA when he was a young teen. I think it affected him, made him mature quicker, and gave him a certain fatalistic attitude. Like I said, I have some other fond memories, but for now I'll just be wishing him all the best! Reggie Theus at age 49 is a great selection for Sacramento Kings Nation and extremely well-prepared for the major challenge ahead as head coach - plus we'll never have to worry about him getting pulled over for DUI.
