The former Cincinnati Royals, UC Great Oscar Robertson, honored at 2025 Espy Awards

Cincinnati – Former Cincinnati Royals and the Great Oscar Robertson of the University of Cincinnati were honored for his work at ESPNS Espy Awards 2025 on Wednesday, which changed the landscape of professional sport.

Robertson accepted Arthur Ashe Award for his struggle for the establishment of a free agency in the NBA, which led to a legal dispute for years.

The award is awarded to a member of the sports world that goes beyond the field by fighting what they believe and affect people worldwide.

Before the 86-year-old accepted his award, he was introduced by Russell Westbrook and the Espys shared a video that documented the father of the legacy and the influence of the Free Agency, including comment by LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal and NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

In his acceptance speech, Robertson said much of his upbringing in Indiana.

With regard to his inheritance in the NBA, he said he knew that it had to do.

“It was a desperate need that players have more security,” said Robertson.

He said his answer to whether he would do everything again, despite the fights he was capable of: “My answer is always yes.”

“It is important to be persistent or as I was called,” said Robertson. “… it is important to do the right thing, even when it comes to personal victims.”

Robertson ended his acceptance speech on the grounds that he was humiliated by those who accepted the award before him.

From 1965 to 1974, Robertson was the longest in office president of the National Basketball Players Association.

Robertson, as President of the NBA Players Association from 1965 to 1974, helped the athlete to fight for the freelance agency. In 1970 he submitted a cartel lawsuit against the NBA, which aimed to block an NBA ABA fusion, “freed the players from exploitative contract restrictions,” said the ESPN press room when it became known that Robertson was honored.

After this merger was successfully delayed, the Players Association reached a settlement with the NBA in 1976, which is now known as “The Oscar Robertson Rule”. It changed the balance of power in professional sports and initiated the free agency in the NBA and in other professional sports.

Robertson, known as “Big O”, was the first player in NBA history to have a triple double double on average for a whole season (1961-62).

Robertson, who signed his contract with the Royals in the Carew Tower in September 1960, was the NBA rookie of the year in 1961. In 1964 he was the MVP of the league. He won three NBA all-star MVPS and received nine all-NBA first team.

Robertson is also a 12-time NBA All-Star and was appointed one of the largest players in basketball in 1996.

He was the first three-time national college player of the year at UC and from 1958 to 1960 a three-time all-American First Team All-American. Robertson led the Bearcats to a 97-7 record and two NCAA Final Four appearances (1959 and 1960).

Robertson, a Naishith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fam, was also honored with an NBA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018-he was also honored with the same prize during the NBA All-Star Week in 2016.