Lou Williams Recalls Hazing Incident with NBA Veterans

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Retired NBA player Lou Williams shared a memorable hazing experience from his rookie season in 2005-06 during an appearance on the Underground Lounge podcast. At just 18 years old, Williams fell victim to the playful yet intense traditions upheld by older veterans, Chris Webber and Allen Iverson.

Williams recalled the moment when Webber asked him, ‘Young fella, you had your first drink yet?’ With a hint of bravado, he replied, ‘I don’t drink, I let you old (bleeps) drink.’

This lighthearted banter quickly escalated into a challenge. Webber bet Williams $15,000 to drink three bottles of beer before boarding their flight. Williams accepted the gamble, which led to an incident he won’t forget. ‘I got so drunk they had to carry me to the team plane,’ he said.

But the fun didn’t stop there. Once on the plane, Webber offered Williams another $15,000 to take off his shirt and slap coach Maurice Cheeks. ‘I took my shirt off, ran to the back of the plane,’ Williams recounted. ‘He sees me coming, ‘Why do you have your shirt off on this plane?’ I said, ‘Sorry, Mo,’ and smacked the (bleep) out of Mo Cheeks.’

Williams’ anecdotes from his early NBA days provide a glimpse into the unique culture that exists within professional basketball. The playful hazing rituals, while controversial, are part of the experiences shared by many players entering the league.