Trump Presents Medal of Freedom to NBA’s Jerry West

President Donald Trump (R) presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former NBA basketball player and general manager Jerry West, in the Oval Office of the White House on Sept. 5, 2019. Alex Brandon/AP Photo

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump is continuing his run of recognizing American sports greats with the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Trump has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to pro basketball great Jerry West, formerly of the Los Angeles Lakers, during a White House ceremony.

Trump says West “richly deserved” the medal for his years as a player, general manager and supporter of the nation’s war veterans.

The 81-year-old West noted his humble beginnings growing up in West Virginia and where sports has taken him, saying “it never ceases to amaze me the places you can go in this world chasing a basketball.”

Last month, Trump awarded the medal to 91-year-old basketball great Bob Cousy. Earlier this year, golfer Tiger Woods received the same honor.

Former NBA basketball player and coach Bob Cousy, of the Boston Celtics, speaks as President Donald Trump smiles during a Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony for Cousy, in the Oval Office of the White House, on Aug. 22, 2019. Alex Brandon/AP Photo

By Darlene Superville And Padmananda Rama