There’s fans of the Spurs and then there are Spurs fans. Not everyone will know the name of Bernie LaReau, but if you do, then you wear a special badge for knowing your Spurs history.
LaReau was the first athletic trainer for the newly christened Spurs when they arrived in 1973. He was with the team until 1981.
“Bernie was a players’ trainer. I know it was his job to look out for us, but he was also a friend off the court. He looked out for the guys big time. We were close and had a lot of fun together.