In tribute to his friend , Paulsen vowed not to shave his beard until Ekbatani could walk again .
Nick Ekbatani , a close friend and former UCLA teammate of Paulsen tragically lost one of his legs as the result of a horrific motorcycle accident earlier that summer .
In tribute to Paulsen 's friend , Paulsen vowed not to shave his beard friend Ekbatani could walk again .
Nick Ekbatani , a close friend and former UCLA teammate of Paulsen tragically lost one of his legs as the result of a horrific motorcycle accident earlier that summer .