Inspiration for Cuba Gooding Jr. Movie 'Radio' Passes Away at 73

The inspiration for both a big budget Hollywood film and an amazing tale of acceptance has passed away.

James Kennedy, who served as a key member of South Carolina's T.L. Hanna High School's football team since 1965, passed away at the age of 73. He had been in the hospital for several ailments, including diabetes and kidney issues, for a considerable length of time.

Kennedy, who was mentally challenged, started to hang around T.L. Hanna, the alma mater of Hall of Fame Boston Red Sox outfielder Jim Rice and NFL wideout Martavis Bryant, and observe their practices. He was later "adopted" by the team and served as an unofficial mascot of sorts, celebrating with the team and leading them out onto the field.

Kennedy, who was nicknamed "Radio" because he always carried around his rusty transistor radio, was the basis for the 2003 film that shared his moniker, starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ed Harris.

Kennedy might have been the basis of a really good movie, but what he meant to T.L Hanna can't be put into words. The sports world has lost one of its most inspirational souls.