



Brent Barry tells an amazing tale from his playing days, when he planted a kiss on NBA Commissioner David Stern’s cheek during the championship ring ceremony for the 2005 champion San Antonio Spurs. Tim Duncan had to fork over one hundred bucks for the stunt. Per Buzzfeed: “As I basked in that satisfaction I stood next to Tim Duncan. I said something like ‘Well that was fun last year, we should try to do this again!’ He giggled his goofy giggle. And then I asked him how much he would give me if I kissed David Stern upon getting my ring. He offered a sum, I considered it and waited for my name to be called. As I approached the Commish I felt like I couldn’t let my captain down. So after a quick ‘Congratulations Brent’ from David I hugged him and planted one right on his cheek. To this day, I swear he and grandma have the same skin. As I moved slowly from the spotlight as it found the next player, I casually glanced over to Tim and, wiping my tongue with my fingertips as if something flakey remained from my time with Mr. Stern, I mouthed the words: ‘You owe me a hundred bucks!’ I swear I heard him laugh all the way over to where I stood on the court. Needless to say, in 2007 when I was a part of a second championship with the Spurs, things were not as spontaneous. I saw David in the locker room prior to the game as he usually makes it standard practice to visit the teams prior to the ceremony as he did in 2005. He stole a moment with me and told me there’ll be no more kisses tonight. During the ceremony, this time David and I exchanged a look I will always remember. Best $100 bucks I ever made…”

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