Son: Ex-Boston mayor Flynn fainted at speech

BOSTON—The son of former Boston mayor and ambassador to the Vatican Raymond Flynn said his father is undergoing tests at a hospital after collapsing at a speaking engagement.

Edward Flynn told The Associated Press on Wednesday night that his 69-year-old father was talking with family members at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, where he was taken for tests and observation. He is expected to stay overnight.

"I think he's feeling better," the younger Flynn said.

Flynn said his father was speaking to young people at a Catholic Church-sponsored event at a restaurant in Quincy when he fainted.

Edward Flynn said his father was talking with about 300 people at the gathering sponsored by St. Ann's Catholic Church, and was telling a story about his own failed NBA tryout when he became ill.

"He was talking about being the last person cut from the Boston Celtics and talking about working hard, and being honest and never giving up. He wasn't able to finish that story," Flynn said.

Flynn said his father, a star basketball player at Providence College in the early 1960s, and was cut when he tried to make the Celtics roster.

"He always respected Red Auerbach for being honest and putting the best team on the court," Flynn said.

The Boston Herald, which first reported Flynn's illness, said the outreach program "Theology on Tap," was held at Bad Abbott's tavern.

Flynn was mayor of Boston from 1984 to 1993, when President Clinton appointed him ambassador to the Vatican, a post he held until 1997.