On Tuesday, the Miami Heat confirmed the passing of Ron Culp, their longtime and renowned athletic trainer. On June 9, 2021, Culp, the only person to ever earn Trainer of the Year three times in the NBA, passed away.
“Our Miami HEAT family is with heavy hearts upon learning of the passing of original Miami HEAT Athletic Trainer Ron Culp,” the Heat’s official account tweeted. We are sending the Culp family our deepest sympathies, prayers, and thoughts during this difficult time.
One of the most well-liked characters in South Beach, Culp began his professional life as a trainer for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He became the Miami Heat’s lone trainer in 1987 after spending 13 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Heat honored Culp with a training room named “The Culp Room,” retired his name on a banner that hangs next to their 2006 NBA Championship banner, and mailed his red trainer’s apron to the Basketball Hall of Fame, knowing that it would eventually be deserving of its own shrine in Springfield, when Culp attempted to retire at the end of the 2008 season.
Culp’s time in retirement was brief. In April of 2012, NBC Sports said, “He missed the team and the thrill of being in the NBA.” Additionally, Heat president Pat Riley enjoys having him around.
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