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Local Hoops Legend Involved In Infamous On-Court Brawl Returns To D.C.

September 13, 2009
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Kermit Washington is the only American University graduate to play in the NBA and his jersey is the only one the school retired.

But most people remember him for punching fellow NBA'er Rudy Tomjanovich during a 1977 on-court skirmish, causing Tomjanovich to suffer a life-threatening head injury. He ultimately survived, but Washington's NBA career - and his public image - never fully recovered. Washington says he's come to terms with the punch that changed his life.

"If you're in an instant and you make a mistake, it stays with you," he said. "But that's part of life."

In the years since, Washington has focused on international humanitarian work. He's holding a fast at American University this weekend to raise awareness of starvation in Africa.

Washington says he and Tomjanovich talk often and are setting up a business venture together.

David Schultz reports...

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