Just like Spain’s strategic use of a “sorcerer” to put a hex on World Cup rival Portugal, Celtics fans believe rubbing the bronzed body of legendary coach Red Auerbach will boost their chances against the Lakers.
During the nailbiting NBA Finals, Boston fans have been flocking to the Faneuil Hall tourist trap to summon the spirit of the cigar-smoking Auerbach statue. Talented photojournalist Matt Stone has documented the phenomenon with a Boston Herald slideshow.
Stone has documented the bizarre poses that Celtics fans do with Red, including make-believe strangling and pretending to pick his nose.

Any possibility of giving Hall of Fame coach Red Auerbach his dignity back? (Matt Stone/Boston Herald)
Will stripping away the dignity of the Greatest Basketball Coach in History help out Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett on the court this week?
We don’t know, but we do know this: die-hard Celtics fans have been kissing Red and affectionately picking his nose for years.
[…] harassment of Boston Celtics Hall of Fame coach Red Auerbach — the cigar guy — here and […]
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