Over the years, much has been reported and written about the the 1977 telethon Nancy and Slick Leonard spearheaded to save the Pacers when the team met near financial ruin after joining the NBA. As mentioned previously, a 15 minute video, 30 for 30 Shorts: Slick, Nancy and The Telethon will air on ESPN Friday night and the story captures the spirit and phenomenal effort put forth to save the franchise by selling over 8,000 season tickets.
While Slick is lauded for his legendary coaching and commitment to the franchise, Nancy Leonard emerges as the star of the show as Slick credits his wife for giving the team direction when the NBA offered no help and eventually saving the franchise from leaving town.