PHILADELPHIA, PA – July 13, 2023 – Philadelphia’s native son, Wilt Chamberlain, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, led a remarkably complex life, navigating the cultural, social, legal and emotional challenges present in an overtly racist Apartheid America. Throughout his career, Chamberlain faced numerous obstacles, both on and off the court, and his journey sheds much needed light on the complexities of race, achievement, and personal choices made by prominent Black Americans in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Finally, Chamberlain has received a cinematic examination worthy of the subject.

Showtime Sports will air Goliath, a docuseries examining the historic life, career and impact of, perhaps, the greatest athlete of the 20th century. Set to air as a three episode documentary, Goliath is directed by Rob Ford (The Cost of Winning) and Christopher Dillon (A Crime to Remember). It will debut on demand and on streaming on July 14 for all Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers before making its on-air debut on Showtime on July 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT with episodes premiering each Sunday.

Today, I had the privilege of joining Chamberlain’s family and about 100 other dignitaries for a private screening of Episode 2 of the trilogy at the AMC Theater adjacent to the campus of Temple University.

After dominating scholastic basketball in the Philadelphia Public League at Overbrook High School, Chamberlain spurned over 200 other scholarship offers and chose to play at the University of Kansas. While donning the Jayhawk uniform, Chamberlain was a consensus All-American in 1957 and 1958 and Most Outstanding Player of the 1957 NCAA Tournament. However, his path to basketball stardom was not without its hurdles. In 1957, while playing for Kansas, he led his team to the NCAA National Championship game against the University of North Carolina. However, they suffered a heartbreaking loss in triple overtime. This devastating defeat fueled Chamberlain’s desire to prove himself at the professional level, prompting him to make a significant decision.

Unable to join the NBA immediately, Chamberlain opted to play for the Harlem Globetrotters, a wildly popular predominantly Black barnstorming team. The Globetrotters were well known for their emphasis on entertaining and showmanship. This move was not without controversy, as some questioned his motives and the impact it would have on his career. However, Chamberlain saw this as an opportunity to hone his skills and elevate his game before stepping onto the grand stage of the NBA.

Chamberlain’s arrival in the NBA brought both admiration and criticism. His extraordinary athleticism and dominant play quickly earned him a reputation as the most talented player in the league. However, his prodigious individual statistics, such as illogical scoring records and stupefying rebounding numbers, led to accusations of selfishness and a lack of team focus. This perception was further reinforced by his repeated playoff losses to the Boston Celtics, led by the legendary Bill Russell.

It wasn’t until Chamberlain found himself on a team with comparable talent that he was able to capture the ultimate prize. In 1967, as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, he finally won his first NBA championship. This victory was followed by another championship in 1972 when Chamberlain was part of the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers roster. These triumphs demonstrated that, given the right circumstances, Chamberlain could indeed achieve team success.

Beyond the basketball court, Chamberlain’s personal life was equally complex. He was often portrayed as a womanizer. At one point, he was quoted as saying that he had slept with as many as 20,000 women. While this led to him being maligned by some as a mere womanizer, The documentary acknowledges, in great detail, Chamberlain’s contributions to women’s sports. He was a generous benefactor for women’s volleyball and track and field, supporting female athletes financially and providing them with opportunities to excel.

Chamberlain’s complexity extended beyond sports and into his political beliefs. He actively supported the civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., recognizing the importance of racial equality and justice. However, his political affiliation as a Black Republican and his open campaigning for Richard Nixon raised eyebrows and sparked debates about his motivations and ideological leanings.

The life of Wilt Chamberlain serves as a compelling narrative of a man who transcended the barriers of his time. His ability to achieve greatness within the confines of a racially oppressive society highlights his resilience and determination. Chamberlain’s basketball career, though marred by controversial narratives, ultimately revealed his undeniable talent and ability to adapt when surrounded by the right supporting cast.

It is essential to view Chamberlain’s life holistically, recognizing the multifaceted nature of his achievements and choices. While his reputation as a womanizer and his political beliefs might be viewed as contradictory, they underline the complexities of his character. Wilt Chamberlain’s journey through the Jim Crow era and the subsequent changes in American society represents a compelling chapter in the history of both basketball and civil rights.

Goliath reveals an undeniable truth: Wilton Norman Chamberlain was THE “MUTHAFUCKIN” MAN.