On this day in 1981: The first deaf person to play in an NBA game is born

Lance Allred, deaf since he experienced health complications at birth on Feb. 2, 1981, would go on to play basketball with LeBron James in the NBA.

image from TED-x video

With few resources available to him as a child, Allred had no one to teach him sign language and was given large hearing aids. He has said the bullying and abuse he endured led him to consider taking his own life. Discovering basketball as a young teen gave the 6'11" Allred purpose in his life.

He played basketball for the University of Utah in college but left for Weber State University after the coach made it a habit of lashing out at him. When the abuse came to light, the coach was forced to resign.

Despite great numbers on the court, no NBA team drafted Allred. He left the US to play in Turkey, France, and Spain before getting into the NBA D-League. Eventually, the Cleveland Cavaliers brought him into the NBA where he played with LeBron James. Allred's days in the pros was short—he only played in three NBA games. But those games were history-making as the league's first deaf player.

You can read more about his story in his book Longshot: The Adventures of a Deaf Fundamentalist Mormon Kid and His Journey to the NBA or watch his TED-x talk below.