A writer once dared to challenge Bird -- and literally paid the price

Larry Bird is one of the greatest shooters ever. Sadly, he played before the 3-point line was en vogue. But if he were in his prime today, there's little doubt who the best stretch four in the NBA would be.

But that's a different argument for a different day. Right now, we're here to talk about that time the Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy challenged Bird in 1985 to a free-throw shooting contest. Of course, Shaughnessy was mercilessly beaten and forced to surrender $160.

Adding insult to injury, Bird won with his right hand wrapped in tape. According to Shaughnessy, Bird had injured his shooting hand coming to the defense of a teammate in a bar, and he was taping it in practice to help with recovery. Here are more details from Shaughnessy himself, who went on Adam Himmelsbach's podcast to tell the tale:

And no, Bird didn't let the sportswriter keep his $160. Would you really expect such mercy from Larry Bird?

Read the whole thing right away. Stories like this are why the guy's nickname is literally "Larry Legend."