"It wasn't rough until I came to the States," he said. "Being the only black player in the league, I was exposed to racial slurs and remarks. But I just let it go in one ear and out the other. Thanks to my older brother - who was not only my brother and my friend, but he taught me a lot about the game that I needed to know - and he said, 'Willie, the names will never hurt you. Just go out and play your game. If the fans and the players on the opposition can't accept you for the individual that you are, it's just their tough luck.' "