BOSTON -- Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird sparked controversy Thursday after he commented in an interview that the NBA could use more white superstars.

WCVB-TV in Boston reported that Bird appeared with Magic Johnson and NBA newcomers Carmello Anthony and LeBron James.

"Does the NBA lack enough white superstars in your opinion?" asked ESPN's Jim Gray

"I think so," Bird said. "I think it's good for a fan base. As we all know, the majority of the fans are white America, and if you just had a couple white guys in there. It is a black man's game, and it will be forever."

"What we need are some more LBs -- Larry Birds," Johnson said.

Bird is the president of the Indiana Pacers.

A Pacers spokesman told the Chicago Sun-Times that there was more context than what was provided by the excerpt, including a discussion of European players just before the excerpted question.

In the excerpt, Cleveland phenom LeBron James said race is not an issue in the league. Denver's Carmelo Anthony said people he knows love players such as the Sacramento Kings' Predrag Stojakovic and the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki, both of whom are white.

Because Bird is the president of an NBA team, the league's commissioner has declined to comment until the entire interview is aired Thursday night.

It's the second-time this week a one-time Boston sports figure stirred the pot of controversy.

Bill Parcells promptly apologized for his remarks earlier this week.

"No disrespect to the Orientals, but what we call Jap plays, surprise things. No disrespect," Parcells said.