Sam Brownback: “I wish to speak about the untimely passing of a giant--a giant in the hearts of the Sudanese people but also a literal…”

“I wish to speak about the untimely passing of a giant--a giant in the hearts of the Sudanese people but also a literal giant. At 7 foot 7 inches, Manute Bol was a hero in his native home of Sudan, not for the fact alone that he was a pro basketball player in the United States or that he killed a lion with a spear while working as a cow herder--no, Manute was a hero because of his advocacy for his fellow countrymen, a true humanitarian. Manute began his NBA career in Washington in 1985, when he was drafted in the second round by the Washington Bullets. That year, Manute set the NBA rookie record with a total of 397 blocks. He continued to break shot-blocking records throughout his career and is the only player in NBA history to block more shots than points scored. Manute coined the idiom or the phrase ``my bad,'' which quickly became the standard for those players owning up to their own errors on the court. ``My bad.'' To own up to one's own mistakes is a true measure of one's character, and it is no surprise that Manute leaves this legacy to the NBA. Manute had a gentle nature and unmistakable humor. He was also a Christian, and his faith guided his advocacy for his fellow Sudanese brothers and sisters. Manute was the son of a Dinka tribal chief and was given the name ``Manute,'' which means ``special blessing.'' He was, indeed, special, and what made him special was not his height but his heart.”