Retired NBA Star Talks About His Career, Current Sports Issues

Phil Chenier, who played nine seasons for the Washington Bullets and spent 33 years in the broadcast booth, discussed that aspect of his life, and more, while speaking at a recent Columbia-Patuxent Rotary meeting.

He described how his career path led him to Columbia in 1974, a pivotal move that allowed his family to thrive. Phil worked for a time at Howard Community College and was reunited with three of his coworkers who are now Rotarians – Patti Turner, Sandy Harriman and Linda Lloyd.

Phil had an unusual welcome to the NBA, initially signing with the Chicago Bulls but drafted by the Bullets under new hardship rules allowing him to leave college early. He was fortunate to join a team stocked with supportive veteran players like Wes Unseld, Earl Monroe, Gus Johnson, and others.

He cited his first Bullets coach, Gene Shue, for teaching him how to make the transition from college basketball to the professional game. Shue was succeeded by KC Jones, who gave Phil “the freedom to blossom, to grow, to be more confident.”

Phil called Pete Maravich and Earl Monroe the most challenging opponents he faced. “Those two were creative players,” he explained. “They thought way out of the box, and they would make moves on you, not to try to embarrass you, but that was their creative thinking. If you weren't prepared, you know you could get embarrassed.”

He believes that today’s NBA athletes are physically superior (bigger, stronger, faster), but many enter the league with less development due to their younger age. On topical athletic issues, Phil disdains the rise of legalized sports betting because it raises some red flags.

“Some players have gotten themselves in hot water,” he said. “I like to think that guys still have the attitude of playing to win, being competitive and enjoying that experience. The idea of somebody trying to hold back, even a little bit, just doesn't sit right with me.”

On the influence of NIL (“name, image, likeness”) money in college sports, he argued against the current system of direct payment to student athletes. Phil proposed alternatives like (1) athletes getting an extended three additional years to get their degree after their college eligibility is up; or (2) a compensation scale tied to pro salaries for those leaving school early.

The way NIL acts now, he argued, muddies up everything. “Once again, the big schools are going to win out. I don't like it,” Phil said. “I understand players thinking that they need to be compensated, but I just think that adds a lot of unnecessary problems, and you're already getting that.”

Columbia-Patuxent Rotary is the largest and most active of Howard County’s seven Rotary clubs. It meets weekly on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. at JAM Eateries. Visitors are always welcome.