The following is a statement from Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), the senior member of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, on the passing of his longtime friend, Red Auerbach, coach and president of the Boston Celtics:

“I was fortunate to be invited to the China Doll restaurant to talk basketball with Red and his basketball buddies.  He presided like he was the Speaker of the House – everyone deferred to his superior basketball best judgment.  He was a wise man, and he would have been Speaker of the House if he had decided to be a politician.  He was a good Democrat who liked talking about politics as much as he liked talking about basketball.  He was a natural leader, he was strong, and he knew how to build individuals into teams.”

“It was my honor to be his friend for 30 years.  He was one of the greatest men I have ever met.”