I'm still my parent's child, I'm still me, but I made a choice. I evolved into Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. I think it has to do with evolution.

This is what I would have done if I had to have a real job: I would have been a history teacher.

Even when there are adverse circumstances, I try to do my job. And I usually do.

When the line started to blur between the fans and the players, sometimes things can get ugly.

But people don't know if I can teach the game. I know I can. My experience in Oklahoma was positive. It opened my eyes to how the game is played - the interaction among players, fans and media, how all that works. You have to know about the business of the game and how the actions of players and coaches affect the business. I think I have it down now.

Either because I was an athlete or because I was black - probably both - there seemed to be a clear assumption that I wouldn't be up to the work.

Culture and politics were inseparable [in the Sixties], which gave a soundtrack to political awareness and activism.