1992
Citation:
As a basketball champion and community activist, Isiah Thomas is a standout among today’s professional athletes. He is heralded as the Detroit Pistons’ all-time leader in scoring, assists and steals. Since his entry into the National Basketball Association in 1981 at age 20, he has distinguished himself as the game’s best “pure” point guard, the president of the National Basketball Players Association and a celebrated ambassador of goodwill. Career highlights include earning two All-Star game Most Valuable Player awards, captaining the championship drives in 1989 and 1990, and receiving the coveted Series MVP award in 1989. Although his charismatic presence and popularity are admired by millions of people worldwide, it is at home, in Detroit where he has made the biggest difference. As the city’s busiest most celebrated athlete, he is tirelessly committed to numerous community organizations and causes, including Special Olympics, Children’s Hospital, American Red Cross, “Stay in School,” “Say No To Drugs” and “No Crime Day”.
Award was presented at the President's Cabinet Silver Anniversary Celebration, 1992.