The former FBI agent escorts former coach Jim O’Brien off the floor in Chicago.
I’m amazed everyday about the people I meet. Not many people will recognize the name John Gray but this man has a remarkable story.
I have known Mr. Gray for about three years now. I did know he was a former FBI agent, but I didn’t realize that he is the man.
John Gray, now the Director of Security for the Indiana Pacers, is with the team at every game. He also works Indiana Fever home games. Gray handles everything behind the scenes and warns players of future dangers and risks.
Prior to road games, he calls his friends around the league to gain information about what restaurants, clubs and places for the players to avoid while in town. Before all-star weekend, he writes out a safety plan for any player going, including safe locations, league-sponsored events and emergency numbers. The plan is much more difficult when traveling to New York than say a Charlotte.
Mr. Gray always means business. He is friendly and welcoming but you can tell there is much more going on in his head than he’s allowed to say.
WTHR, Channel 13 anchor Scott Swan had a great story on Tuesday about how Gray was critical in capturing of the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski in 1996.
“Using a fake name of Ralph Grayson, Gray pretended to be a photo journalist researching gold mines near Kaczynski’s cabin.
“I thought it was humorous that you are looking for a fugitive and there’s his name right there on the mailbox,” said Gray. “You’ve got a guy who’s been mailing bombs, killed three people, and he’s gone to the extreme of living by himself in a recluse area of Montana, a single cabin with no running water or electricity, but you drive down Stemple Pass Road and there’s a mailbox that says Ted Kaczynski right on it.”
Everyone I meet, has a story. Whether it’s Frank Vogel who went from the Kentucky video coordinator to NBA head coach or John Gray’s FBI life, I am fascinated by it all.
Mr. Gray can be seen at other various events in his free time. He is a freelance photographer and loves taking pictures. Just last weekend, I saw Gray at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as he was capturing pole day and bump day on his camera.
This was just one of John Gray’s great stories. Retired from the FBI, he is a no-nonsense guy that is enjoying every day: protecting the Pacers, behind his camera, and with his young kid.